Nursing Entrance Exam Practice Test 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

The myelin sheath has a significant physiological effect on neuron function primarily by enhancing the efficiency of electrical signal transmission along the axon. One key role of the myelin sheath is its ability to reduce signal delay, which is essential for rapid communication between neurons.

When the axon is myelinated, the electrical impulses, or action potentials, jump between the nodes of Ranvier—small gaps in the myelin sheath. This type of conduction, known as saltatory conduction, allows the action potential to travel much faster compared to non-myelinated fibers where the signal must propagate continuously along the entire length of the axon. As a result, myelination significantly speeds up neural communication, ensuring that signals reach their destination quickly enough to coordinate activities throughout the nervous system effectively.

The physiological effects of increased resistance and insulation provided by the myelin sheath also relate to this process, as these characteristics contribute to efficient signal conduction without the loss of electrical charge. However, the most pivotal outcome for neuron function is the reduction of signal delay, which is crucial for synchronizing neuronal firing and maintaining the timing of transmissions in complex neural circuits.