How Nerves Send Signals: Contiguous vs Saltatory Conduction

Saltatory Conduction Explained 12th Biology Control and Co ordination

Sweeping vs Saltatory conduction Conduction in myelinated vs non-myelinated nerve fibers Myelinated nerve fibers Structure: Axon is wrapped by a myelin sheath (formed by Schwann cells in PNS, oligodendrocytes in CNS) with gaps called nodes of Ranvier. Type of conduction: Saltatory conduction The action potential “jumps” from one node to the next. Ion exchange: Occurs mainly at the nodes of Ranvier. Speed: Very fast (up to ~120 m/s). Energy efficiency: More efficient, fewer ions cross the membran