ction potentials are conducted more rapidly along Blank______ axons.Multiple choice question.unmyelinatedmyelinated

Break Down the Problem

1. The question is asking about the conduction speed of action potentials.
2. It provides two options: "unmyelinated" and "myelinated" axons.
3. We need to determine which type of axon conducts action potentials more rapidly.

Relevant Concepts

1. Action Potentials: These are electrical impulses that neurons use to communicate.
2. Axons: They can be classified as either myelinated (having a myelin sheath) or unmyelinated (lacking a myelin sheath).
3. Myelination: It is the process of insulating axons to speed up the conduction of action potentials. Myelinated axons conduct impulses via saltatory conduction, where the impulse jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next.

Analysis and Detail

1. Myelinated Axons:

   • The presence of a myelin sheath allows for increased conduction velocity because it reduces capacitance and increases resistance across the membrane.
   • Action potentials "jump" between nodes (nodes of Ranvier), which significantly speeds up conduction.

2. Unmyelinated Axons:

   • In contrast, unmyelinated axons conduct action potentials more slowly as the action potential must propagate continuously along the entire length of the axon.

Verify and Summarize

Based on the understanding of myelination versus unmyelination, we can verify that myelinated axons are indeed capable of conducting action potentials more rapidly due to saltatory conduction. This efficiency is crucial for the rapid transmission of signals in the nervous system.

Final Answer

Myelinated axons conduct action potentials more rapidly than unmyelinated axons.