What is the role of myelin in nerve conduction?

Myelin plays a crucial role in the conduction of nerve impulses by acting as an insulator around nerve fibers, which significantly increases conduction velocity. Myelination allows for saltatory conduction, where electrical impulses jump from one node of Ranvier (gaps in the myelin sheath) to the next. This jumping mechanism speeds up the transmission of action potentials compared to unmyelinated fibers, which conduct signals more slowly. The insulating properties of myelin also reduce the loss of electrical charge during transmission, further enhancing the efficiency of nerve signal propagation.

The presence of myelin is vital for the proper functioning of the nervous system, particularly in larger diameter and longer nerve fibers where rapid signaling is essential, such as in motor and sensory pathways.