Continuous Conduction of the Action Potential

Question

Continuous conduction of the action potential
A) occurs in myelinated axons
B) occurs primarily in unmyelinated axons
C) is a function of the nodes of Ranvier
D) is quicker than saltatory conduction
E) occurs in myelinated axons and is quicker than saltatory conduction

Accepted Answer

Continuous conduction occurs primarily in unmyelinated axons where there are no interruptions in the plasma membrane. In these axons, the action potential spreads continuously along the entire length of the axon. Myelinated axons use saltatory conduction which is faster than continuous conduction because the action potential jumps from node to node, skipping the myelinated regions of the axon.