Understanding Neurons - AP Biology

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Question

Action potentials move down myelinated axons via saltatory conduction. This is because                     .

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Answer

The tiny gaps in between myelin sheaths are referred to as nodes of Ranvier. The action potential will jump from node to node as it moves down the axon.

If an axon existed without these gaps (the entire length was covered in myelin), it would be unable to conduct an action potential.

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