What is saltatory conduction

Saltatory conduction is the process by which a nerve impulse jumps from one node of Ranvier to another along a myelinated nerve fiber, making transmission faster.

In neurons, electrical signals called nerve impulses travel along the axon. In myelinated neurons, the axon is covered by a fatty layer called the myelin sheath, which acts as an insulator. This sheath is interrupted at small gaps called nodes of Ranvier.

During saltatory conduction, the action potential does not travel smoothly along the axon. Instead, it “jumps” from one node to the next. This skipping speeds up the transmission of the nerve impulse without losing strength.

Mechanism

1. When a nerve impulse reaches a node, sodium ions rush in, creating an electrical signal.
2. The myelin sheath prevents current loss between nodes.
3. The impulse jumps directly to the next node where depolarization occurs again.

Advantages

• Increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission (up to 100 m/s).
• Saves energy because fewer ions need to move across the membrane.
• Allows rapid communication between neurons.