AP PSYCHOLOGY

BIOLOGICAL BASES OF BEHAVIOR

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
The speed at which a neural impulse travels is increased when the axon is encased by a(n)
A
synaptic vesicle.
B
pituitary gland.
C
myelin sheath.
D
None of the above
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Much like the insulation around the wires in electrical systems, glial cells form a membraneous sheath surrounding axons called myelin, thereby insulating the axon. This myelination, as it is called, can greatly increase the speed of signals transmitted between neurons (known as action potentials).

Detailed explanation-2: -Answer and Explanation: Myelin is the structure that increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission along an axon.

Detailed explanation-3: -In myelinated neurons of mammals, nerve impulses can travel at a speed of 70-120 meters per second (m/s).

Detailed explanation-4: -The myelin sheath is a layer of fatty tissue surrounding the axon of a neuron that both acts as an insulator and allows faster transmission of the electrical signal.

Detailed explanation-5: -Myelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty substances. This myelin sheath allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells. If myelin is damaged, these impulses slow down.

There is 1 question to complete.