A&P Neurophysiology Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Preparation

The primary function of the myelin sheath in neural conduction is to speed up the transmission of electrical signals. The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that surrounds the axons of many neurons. This insulation allows electrical impulses to travel more quickly along the nerve cells through a process called saltatory conduction, where the action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier (gaps in the myelin sheath) to the next. As a result, myelination greatly increases the speed and efficiency of signal transmission in the nervous system, facilitating rapid communication between neurons. This is crucial for the proper functioning of both the central and peripheral nervous systems, allowing for quicker responses and coordination in physiological processes.