MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Because fat (myelin) acts as an insulator, membrane coated with myelin does not conduct an impulse. So, in a myelinated neuron, action potentials only occur along the nodes and, therefore, impulses jump over the areas of myelin, going from node to node in a process called as saltatory conduction.

Detailed explanation-2: -Saltatory conduction takes place in myelinated axons which allow action potential to occur only at the nodes of Ranvier. Hence, the nerve impulses travel rapidly jumping from one node of Ranvier to the next node. Therefore, salutatory conduction is the fastest method of transmission of the action potential.

Detailed explanation-3: -Myelin Sheath Due to this sheath, an action potential is not formed on the surface of the neuron. This Myelin sheath has regular gaps, where it is not present, called nodes of Ranvier. An action potential can form at these gaps and impulse will jump from node to node by saltatory conduction.