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Action Potential Nodes Describe Explain Transmitted Myelinated Axon

On myelinated axons, action potentials 'jump' between nodes of Ranvier because depolarization can only occur at these gaps where ion channels are present, facilitated by longer localized circuits.

On myelinated axons, action potentials 'jump' between nodes of Ranvier because depolarization can only occur at these gaps where ion channels are present, facilitated by longer localized circuits.

Front Describe and explain how an action potential is transmitted along a myelinated axon.
Back Saltatory conduction:
  • Depolarisation of axon membarne can only occur at nodes of Ranvier where sodium ions can pass through channel proteins in membrane
  • Longer localised circuits arise between adjacent nodes - action potential 'jumps' from one node to another

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