does mylination increase the frequency of action potentials?

[icecoldstar]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Does it increase the frequency? cuz TBR certainly thinks so.

 

[MedPR]

Does it increase the frequency? cuz TBR certainly thinks so.

APs travel faster through myelinated axons than non-myelinated axons. So, yes.

 

[CodeRedDew]

APs travel faster through myelinated axons than non-myelinated axons. So, yes.

Although true, that doesn't neccessarily mean that the frequency is increased. I believe the frequency of firing depends on the external stimulus causing the neuron to fire in the first place, not whether it is myelinated or not. However, I could be wrong 😛


Sent from my iPhone

 

[MedPR]

Although true, that doesn't neccessarily mean that the frequency is increased. I believe the frequency of firing depends on the external stimulus causing the neuron to fire in the first place, not whether it is myelinated or not. However, I could be wrong 😛


Sent from my iPhone

Well I assumed TBR was saying that myelinated axons allow for a higher frequency that non-myelinated. Not that myelinated automatically means higher frequency. Could be wrong though.

 

[NonTraditional3]

Non-myelinated axons conduct A.P. at slower rate than saltatory conduction in myelinated axons. This (myelination) can thus be inferred to be increasing the maximal frequency of A.P. on a given interval of time, but in and of itself does not increase the firing rate; summation of inputs at the axon hillock accomplishes this.

 

[CodeRedDew]

This (myelination) can thus be inferred to be increasing the maximal frequency of A.P. on a given interval of time, but in and of itself does not increase the firing rate

I'd go with this explanation. Given the fact that the APs travel faster on myelinated axons, you theoretically could have a higher maximal frequency compared to a non-myelinated neuron in the same time period.


Sent from my iPhone