Asked by Andrew Torres on Apr 26, 2024
Verified
What axonal characteristic facilitates the propagation of an action potential along a myelinated axon?
A) Voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels are concentrated in the myelinated axonal segments.
B) Voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels are concentrated in the unmyelinated axonal segments.
C) Voltage-gated Na+ channels are concentrated in the myelinated axonal segments; voltage-gated K+ channels are concentrated in the unmyelinated axonal segments.
D) Voltage-gated K+ channels are concentrated in the myelinated axonal segments; voltage-gated Na+ channels are concentrated in the unmyelinated axonal segments.
E) Voltage-gated Na+ K+ channels are spread evenly throughout both myelinated and unmyelinated segments.
Action Potential
A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane, due to the movement of ions in and out of the neuron.
Voltage-Gated
Refers to a type of ion channel that opens or closes in response to changes in the electrical potential across a cell membrane.
- Acquire knowledge on how action potentials are generated and propagated.
Verified Answer
LG
Lydia GuzmanMay 02, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
Voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels are concentrated in the nodes of Ranvier, which are the unmyelinated segments of the axon. This arrangement facilitates saltatory conduction, where action potentials jump from node to node, speeding up signal transmission along myelinated axons.
Learning Objectives
- Acquire knowledge on how action potentials are generated and propagated.