Nodes of Ranvier
gaps in the myelin sheath
Nodes of Ranvier are small gaps or spaces that occur along the length of a myelinated axon. These nodes are regions where the nerve fibers are not covered by myelin sheath but are instead exposed to the external environment.
In the peripheral nervous system, the nodes of Ranvier are essential for the conduction of nerve impulses along the axon. This is because the myelin sheath insulates the axon, preventing the flow of ions across the membrane and hence, blocking the propagation of impulses. At the nodes of Ranvier, however, large concentrations of sodium and potassium channels are present, allowing ions to move more freely across the axon membrane. This generates an action potential, which jumps from node to node in a process called saltatory conduction, which ensures a much faster and more efficient propagation of nerve impulses along the axon.
In summary, nodes of Ranvier play a critical role in the function of myelinated axons by enabling saltatory conduction of nerve impulses along the length of the axon. This ensures that signals are sent more rapidly, and with greater efficiency and precision.
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