How brain conserve energy by saltatory conduction

Expert Solution

Answer: Nerve cell axon is covered by the fatty layer called the myelin sheath. Myelin sheath is not present at some places along the length of the axon. These places where the myelin sheath is absent, are called nodes of Ranvier.

The hoping like movement of the action potential down the length of the axon from one node of Ranvier to the next node of Ranvier is called saltatory conduction.

Following are ways by which saltatory conduction conserves the energy of the brain:

The covering of myelin sheath provides insulation to the axon which avoids the possibility of depolarization in the myelinated region. As depolarization can not occur in the myelinated region the action potential hops from one node of Ranvier to the next. In this way, the speed of nerve impulse conduction is increased. Because of the greater speed of the nerve impulse conduction, the organism can respond quickly to the stimuli. In this way energy is conserved.
Resting membrane potential is reestablished after the action potential for which sodium-potassium pump is required. Node to node movement of action potential reduces the use of sodium-potassium pump for the reestablishment of the resting membrane potential. As the working of sodium-potassium pump requires energy, thus this type of movement will also reduce the energy requirement and energy will be conserved.

gladiator answered 2 years ago

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