Question

List three characteristics of an axon that affects the speed at which it conducts impulse transmission

Answer 1

Myelin sheath - Myelin sheath is a fatty material that insulates some of the neurons and is not present on nodes where the action potential travels from one node of Ranvier to the next by saltatory conduction. As the conduction is through node to node hence myelinated nerve fibres increases the speed of impulse transmission.

Diameter of the axon - the larger the diameter of an axon the larger is the speed of conductance as there is less leakage of ions.

Temperature- it also increases the speed of the impulse conduction as at high temperatures the molecules collide with a greater speed especially the activity of various enzymes like sodium-potassium ATPases speed up that control sodium-potassium pump which is an integral part of the nerve impulse conduction.