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To speed up transmission of the action potential from where it originates (axon hillock) to where it ends (axon terminal), the action potential propagates by 'saltatory conduction' - and the structure that makes this possible is the insulating layer of myelin sheath that wraps around the axon, arranged in 'nodes' along its length. Technically, it's the gaps between the nodes (nodes of Ranvier) that cause the action to continually propagate and maintain its fast conduction velocity.

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The myelin sheath, which is made of fatty tissue wrapped around the axon, helps to speed up the transmission of the action potential by insulating the axon and allowing the action potential to jump between the nodes of Ranvier. This process is known as saltatory conduction and helps to increase the speed of signal transmission in neurons.

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Q: What structure in the neuron helps to speed up the transmission of the action potential?
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What is the regeneration of action potential called?

The regeneration of action potential is called "propagation." It involves the transmission of the action potential along the length of the neuron's axon.


What is the rapid change in a membreanes potential cause by the depolarization of a neuron?

The rapid change in membrane potential caused by the depolarization of a neuron is known as an action potential. During depolarization, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to flow into the cell, causing the inside of the neuron to become more positive. This shift in charge initiates the action potential, which is essential for the transmission of electrical signals along the neuron.


When an action potential reaches the end of a neuron it triggers the release of?

neurotransmitters from the synaptic vesicles into the synapse. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptor proteins on the adjacent neuron, initiating a new action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.


What determines if an action potential is initiated in the postsynaptic neuron?

Every time neurotransmitter is released from the presynaptic neuron it generates an excitatory post synaptic potential(EPSP) in the postsynaptic neuron. When the EPSP is greater than the threshold for excitation an action potential is generated.


What happens when a neuron becomes excitable?

When a neuron becomes excitable, it is able to generate and conduct electrical impulses known as action potentials. This excitability allows the neuron to communicate with other neurons through synaptic connections, facilitating the transmission of information within the nervous system.

Related questions

What is the regeneration of action potential called?

The regeneration of action potential is called "propagation." It involves the transmission of the action potential along the length of the neuron's axon.


What is the small change in the charge across a neuron's membrane called?

The small change in the charge across a neuron's membrane is known as the action potential. It is a brief electrical impulse that travels along the neuron's membrane, allowing for the transmission of signals between neurons.


What is the electrical message that travels along a neuron?

The electrical message that travels along a neuron is called an action potential. It is a brief change in electrical voltage that travels down the length of the neuron, allowing for communication between neurons and the transmission of signals throughout the nervous system.


What is the rapid change in a membreanes potential cause by the depolarization of a neuron?

The rapid change in membrane potential caused by the depolarization of a neuron is known as an action potential. During depolarization, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to flow into the cell, causing the inside of the neuron to become more positive. This shift in charge initiates the action potential, which is essential for the transmission of electrical signals along the neuron.


What happens when sodium enters a neuron?

When sodium enters a neuron, it triggers depolarization of the cell membrane, which leads to an action potential being generated. This action potential then travels along the neuron, allowing for communication between different neurons or between a neuron and a muscle cell. Sodium influx is a key step in the process of nerve signal transmission.


When neuron stimulated enough it?

When a neuron is stimulated enough, it reaches its threshold potential and fires an action potential. This action potential travels down the axon of the neuron, allowing for the communication of signals to other neurons or cells.


What changes occur in the neuron during an action potential?

During an action potential, the neuron undergoes a rapid change in membrane potential as sodium ions rush into the cell, leading to depolarization. Subsequently, potassium ions move out of the cell, repolarizing the membrane back to its resting state. This rapid change in membrane potential allows for the transmission of electrical signals along the neuron.


When an action potential reaches the end of a neuron it triggers the release of?

neurotransmitters from the synaptic vesicles into the synapse. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptor proteins on the adjacent neuron, initiating a new action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.


What determines if an action potential is initiated in the postsynaptic neuron?

Every time neurotransmitter is released from the presynaptic neuron it generates an excitatory post synaptic potential(EPSP) in the postsynaptic neuron. When the EPSP is greater than the threshold for excitation an action potential is generated.


What happens when a neuron becomes excitable?

When a neuron becomes excitable, it is able to generate and conduct electrical impulses known as action potentials. This excitability allows the neuron to communicate with other neurons through synaptic connections, facilitating the transmission of information within the nervous system.


The fundamental cell type that conducts an action potential in the nervous system is a?

neuron.


What has to be crossed before the neuron fires?

The threshold potential must be reached for the neuron to fire. This is the level of depolarization that triggers an action potential to be generated and propagated along the neuron.