Explain how an action potential is propagated down an axon in continuous conduction. Why is saltatory conduction faster than continuous conduction?

Video transcript

Hey, everyone. Let's take a look at this question together. Why is saltatory conduction of myelinated axons more energy efficient when compared to nonmyelinated axons? Is it answer choice? A myelinated axons contain more mitochondria. Answer choice. B myelin sheath prevents the dissipation of ions across the membrane. Answer choice C the energy is transmitted through the myelin sheath instead of the axon or answer choice. D the myelin sheath changes the membrane potential. Let's work this problem out together to try to figure out why saltatory conduction of myelinated axons is more energy efficient when compared to the non my axons. So, in order to solve this question, we have to recall what we know about the myelinated axons when compared to the nonmyelinated axons, such as the fact that the myelinated axons are covered in a myelin sheath with nodes. And in relation to saltatory conduction of the myelinated axons, we know that the nodes of the myelinated axons allows for saltatory conduction, which refers to the action potentials jumping from node to node along the axon. And so when comparing the myelinated axons to the nonmyelinated axons, we know that the myelin sheath that is present insulates the axon as well as it prevents the dissipation of the signal. And thanks to saltatory conduction, it allows for rapid and energy of efficient conduction in myelinated axons when compared to the nonmyelinated axons. So, saltatory conduction of myelinated axons is more energy efficient when compared to their nonmyelinated counterparts due to the myelin sheath which prevents the dissipation of ions across the membrane. So answer choice B is the correct answer and all other answer choices are incorrect. I hope you found this video to be helpful. Thank you and goodbye.