BRAINCAKESaltatory Conduction
Myelinated neurones propagate nerve impulses about 100× faster than non-myelinated neurones.
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Key terms in this lesson
- action potential
- A rapid, temporary reversal of the electrical charge across an axon membrane (depolarisation followed by repolarisation) that occurs when a stimulus exceeds the threshold value.
- depolarisation
- A change in the potential difference across a membrane that makes the inside less negative (or positive) relative to the outside, caused by an influx of sodium ions.
- node of Ranvier
- A small gap between adjacent Schwann cells on a myelinated axon where the axon membrane is exposed and depolarisation can occur.
More in Neuronal Communication
- Repolarisation
- Hyperpolarisation
- The Action Potential
- Nerve Impulse
- Synapses
- Neurotransmitters
- Transmission of Impulse across Synapse
- The Role of Synapses
All 38 lessons in Neuronal Communication · All AQA A-level Biology topics