Question

Which of the following is true regarding myelinated axons?

Answer 1

A) amount of energy consumed by the Na+/K+ ATPase is less in myelinated axons compraed to unmyelinated axons
B) mylelinated axons can conduct more action potentials per second than unmyelinated axons

so the solution is A but I was just wondering what makes B) false

Answer 2

Please do not comment unless you are making a serious attempt at a solution

Answer 3

Myelin is basically omega-3 and other fats that encircle certain portions of myelinated axons. Myelin insulates the axons as protection and most importantly increases the speed of neurotransmission by allowing electrical impulses to 'jump' instead of go straight down the axon. This is known as saltatory conduction.


The reason why B is false is because the *Propagation* of action potentials is stronger in myelinated neurons, but there isn't really anything to suggest that more action potentials can be conducted in myelinated axons and unmyelinated axons in one second. Also, neural transmissions include a refractory period, which prohibits neurons from making another action potential repeatedly.

Answer 4

Makes sense. Thank you.

Answer 5

np