Which statement is true about the effects of temperature on nerve conduction?

Increased temperature generally improves conduction velocity in nerves. This is because nerve conduction relies on the functionality of ion channels, the speed at which action potentials propagate, and the overall rates of biochemical processes. When temperatures rise, the kinetic energy of the molecules involved in these processes also increases. This enhancement leads to faster depolarization and repolarization events, allowing nerve impulses to travel more quickly along the axon.

The principle behind this effect is well-documented in physiology; warmer conditions can facilitate the movements of ions, enhancing electrical transmission along the nerve fibers. This is particularly relevant in both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers, with myelinated nerves often showing a greater increase in conduction velocity due to the myelin sheath's insulating properties.

In contrast, higher temperatures do not inhibit conduction; rather, they typically facilitate it. Conversely, as temperatures drop, conduction velocity decreases due to the slowing of ion movement and other factors that impede nerve function. This relationship highlights the crucial role that temperature plays in nerve physiology and its clinical implications in conditions such as hypothermia or heat-related injuries.