Myelin is not continuous for the length of the axon. What structures are formed by the gaps in myelin?

• A. Dendritic terminals.
• B. Axon terminals.
• C. Nodes of Ranvier.
• D. Glial gaps.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of myelin in the nervous system: Myelin is a fatty substance that wraps around the axon of a neuron, providing insulation and increasing the speed of electrical signal transmission.
2. Recognize that myelin is not continuous along the axon: There are periodic interruptions in the myelin sheath along the axon.
3. Identify the structures formed by these gaps: These interruptions are known as the Nodes of Ranvier.
4. Learn the function of the Nodes of Ranvier: They are crucial for the process of saltatory conduction, where the action potential jumps from one node to the next, speeding up neural communication.
5. Differentiate between the options provided: Dendritic terminals and axon terminals are different parts of the neuron, and glial gaps are not a recognized term in this context. The correct answer is Nodes of Ranvier.