Which Conducts an Action Potential Faster and Why

Question

Which conducts an action potential faster and why?
A) myelinated fibers; the action potential moves through the myelin which allows it to travel faster
B) myelinated fibers; the action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to another
C) unmyelinated fibers; the absence of myelin allows the action potential to travel faster
D) unmyelinated fibers; the action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to another
E) unmyelinated fibers; the ions can move in and out of the cell faster without the myelin coating

Accepted Answer

Myelinated fibers conduct an action potential faster due to saltatory conduction. This means that the action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next, allowing it to travel faster than if it had to travel the entire length of the axon. Unmyelinated fibers do not have this advantage and therefore conduct the action potential slower. The myelin sheath itself does not allow the action potential to travel faster, but rather provides insulation that prevents the loss of ions and allows for faster propagation between nodes.