Question

Why does the nerve impulse flow more rapidly in myelinated nerve fiber than in the non-nucleated fibers.

Answer 1

Myelinated neuron:

1. A neuron in which the axon is covered or enveloped by a layer of Schwann cell is called a myelinated neuron.
2. The myelin sheath that covers the nerve cell is very important for faster conduction of nerve impulses.

Non-nucleated neuron:

1. A neuron in which the axon is not covered by a layer of Schwann cell is called a non-myelinated neuron or non-nucleated fiber.
2. The conduction of nerve impulses is slower as compared to Myelinated neurons.
3. Nerve impulse flows more rapidly in Myelinated nerve fiber than in the Non-nucleated fibers.
4. In myelinated fibers the nerve impulse jumps from one node of Ranvier to another, thus it is faster. However, the nerve impulse has to travel all along in the non-myelinated fibers.