Factors affecting speed of conductance

Question 1

what are the 3 factors?

Answer 1

-myelination and saltatory conduction
-axon diameter
-temperature

Question 2

explain myelination and saltatory conduction as a factor of conductance

Answer 2

schwann cells wrap around the axon to form the myelin sheath- gaps between are called the nodes of ranvier. the action potential jumps from node to node, meaning the action potential travels along the axon faster as it doesn’t need to generate it along the entire length.

Question 3

what is saltatory conduction?

Answer 3

when the action potential jumps from node to node

Question 4

explain axon diameter as a factor of conductance

Answer 4

a wider diameter means a faster speed of conductance due to less leakage of ions, so action potentials travel quicker

Question 5

explain temperature as a factor of conductance

Answer 5

a higher temperature means a higher speed of conductance due to ions diffusing faster and enzymes in respiration working faster. this means more ATP for active transport in the sodium-potassium pump