* Myelination: Myelin is a fatty substance that wraps around the axon, creating a layer of insulation. This insulation prevents the signal from dissipating as it travels along the axon.
* Saltatory Conduction: Instead of the signal traveling continuously along the axon, in myelinated axons, the signal "jumps" from one node of Ranvier (a gap in the myelin sheath) to the next. This process, called saltatory conduction, is significantly faster than continuous conduction in unmyelinated axons.
Key factors affecting conduction speed:
* Axon diameter: Larger axons have lower resistance to current flow, leading to faster conduction.
* Temperature: Higher temperatures increase the speed of conduction, while lower temperatures decrease it.
In summary:
* Myelinated axons > Unmyelinated axons
* Larger diameter axons > Smaller diameter axons
* Higher temperature > Lower temperature
