Electrical signals in neurons

Myelin sheath:

• myelin is a fatty layer that acts as an electrical insulator.

• it is made by Schwann cells wrapping themselves around a neuron.

• Gaps between myelin are called Nodes of Ranvier

Action potentials:

• An action potential is the transient depolarization of one region of membrane.

• Depolarization of one region of membrane leads to the depolarization of subsequent regions.

• Myelination speeds up movement of action potentials.

• Action potentials jump from node of Ranvier to node of Ranvier without depolarization of the myelinated regions which speeds up neurotransmitters.