Multiple Choice
Acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. What effect on nerve transmission would occur following the administration of a chemical that inhibited acetylcholinesterase?
45. Nervous System
Neurons and Action Potentials
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Saltatory conduction means that the membrane potential changes __________.
A
only where there is diffusion of sodium and potassium ions
B
along the entire length of the axon
C
in an all-or-none fashion
D
from polarized to depolarized and back to polarized
E
only at the nodes of Ranvier
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of saltatory conduction: It is a process in which nerve impulses jump from one node of Ranvier to the next, rather than traveling continuously along the axon.
Recognize the role of the nodes of Ranvier: These are gaps in the myelin sheath of a nerve, where ion channels are concentrated, allowing for the rapid conduction of nerve impulses.
Identify the significance of myelination: Myelin sheaths insulate the axon, preventing ion leakage and allowing the action potential to travel quickly between nodes.
Consider the mechanism of action potential propagation: At each node of Ranvier, the action potential is regenerated due to the influx of sodium ions, which depolarizes the membrane.
Conclude that saltatory conduction involves changes in membrane potential only at the nodes of Ranvier, as these are the sites where the action potential is actively propagated.
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