Asked by Keyasia Currie on Apr 24, 2024
Verified
What purpose does the myelin covering an axon serve?
A) It prevents action potentials from occurring.
B) It speeds up transmission along the axon.
C) It prevents resting potentials from occurring.
D) It helps neurons to divide and reproduce.
Myelin
A fatty substance that forms a protective coating around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, improving the speed and transmission of electrical signals.
Axon
a long, slender projection of a nerve cell that typically conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.
Transmission
Transmission, in the context of diseases, refers to the mechanisms through which an infectious agent is spread from one host to another.
- Understand the significance of myelin in neurological functions.
Verified Answer
KV
Kourtney VoltzMay 02, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The myelin covering serves to speed up transmission along the axon by allowing action potentials to "jump" from one node of Ranvier to the next, rather than having to depolarize every point along the entire length of the axon.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the significance of myelin in neurological functions.