Describe the process of saltatory propagation of action potentials down the leng

Question

Describe the process of saltatory propagation of action potentials down the length of the axon. Your answer should include relevant explanations of the role of myelination and electrotonic signal transmission.

Explanation / Answer

The certain neuronal axons are covered with myelin (Myelin is a multilamellar membrane that enwraps the axon in segments) sheaths => efficient transduction of electrical signals in the nervous system. The Myelins are produced by the Schwann cells and are separated by the nodes of Ranvier. Myelin sheath does the following: a) they reduce the membrane capacitance and b) increases the membrane resistance in the inter-node intervals (nodes of Ranvier) this results in a very fast, saltatory movement of action potentials from one node to another node. This process very common mainly in the vertebrates and in some shrimps is termed as Myelination. Myelin prevents Action potentials from propagating through the membrane. However, 1) the current is carried by cytoplasm, and is sufficient enough to depolarize the first or second subsequent node of Ranvier. 2) Ionic current generated from the action potential at one node provokes a second action potential at the subsequent node. = saltatory conduction

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