The Fastest Possible Conduction Velocity of Action Potentials is Observed

Question

The fastest possible conduction velocity of action potentials is observed in
A) thin, non-myelinated neurons.
B) thin, myelinated neurons.
C) thick, non-myelinated neurons.
D) thick, myelinated neurons.

Accepted Answer

Myelination allows for saltatory conduction, where the action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next, increasing the speed of conduction. Thicker axons also have a faster conduction velocity due to a lower resistance to ion flow. Therefore, thick, myelinated neurons have the fastest possible conduction velocity of action potentials.