MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -By acting as an electrical insulator, myelin greatly speeds up action potential conduction (Figure 3.14). For example, whereas unmyelinated axon conduction velocities range from about 0.5 to 10 m/s, myelinated axons can conduct at velocities up to 150 m/s.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -Summary. Myelin can greatly increase the speed of electrical impulses in neurons because it insulates the axon and assembles voltage-gated sodium channel clusters at discrete nodes along its length.

Detailed explanation-4: -The purpose of the myelin sheath is to increase the speed of transmission by acting as an electrical insulator. In non-myelinated axons, the action potential must propagate continuously along the plasma membrane.

Detailed explanation-5: -Myelin has properties of low capacitance and high electrical resistance which means it can act as an insulator. Therefore, myelin sheaths insulate axons to increase the speed of electrical signal conduction. This allows myelinated axons to conduct electrical signals at high speeds.