Speed of Nerve Impulses

This set of flashcards covers the concepts of nerve impulse speed, including factors affecting conduction speed and the types of nerve fibers.

Speed of conduction

Determined by axon diameter and degree of myelination.

Axon Diameter

Larger diameter axons provide less resistance to ion flow, allowing faster impulse conduction.

Degree of Myelination

Influences how and where action potentials (APs) are generated in nerves.

Continuous Conduction

Occurs in unmyelinated nerves where action potentials are generated next to each other.

Saltatory Conduction

Occurs in myelinated nerves where action potentials are generated only at the nodes of Ranvier.

Node of Ranvier

The gaps between myelin sheaths where sodium channels are located, allowing faster impulse transmission.

Group A Nerve Fibers

Voluntary nerve fibers that have large diameter and thick myelin sheaths, capable of conduction speeds up to 150 m/s.