What is the Role of Schwann Cells in Speeding Up Nervous System Signals?

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SUMMARY

Schwann cells are specialized glial cells that form the myelin sheath around axons, significantly enhancing the speed of nerve signal transmission. The nodes of Ranvier, gaps between Schwann cells, facilitate the rapid jumping of signals, allowing them to travel hundreds of times faster than if they were to move along the axon surface. This mechanism enables quick communication between the brain and peripheral body parts, such as toes, in mere milliseconds. Understanding this process is crucial for comprehending neural signal propagation and its implications in neurobiology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of myelination and its role in neural transmission
  • Familiarity with the structure and function of neurons
  • Knowledge of the nodes of Ranvier and their significance
  • Basic concepts of neurobiology and glial cell functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of action potential propagation in myelinated vs. unmyelinated axons
  • Explore the role of Schwann cells in peripheral nervous system repair and regeneration
  • Learn about demyelinating diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and their impact on nerve signal transmission
  • Investigate the physiological effects of myelin sheath thickness on signal speed
USEFUL FOR

Neuroscientists, biology students, medical professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanisms of nerve signal transmission and the role of glial cells in the nervous system.

PPonte
Some axons are wrapped in a myelin sheath formed from the plasma membranes of specialized glial cells known as Schwann cells. Schwann cells serve as supportive, nutritive, and service facilities for neurons. The gap between Schwann cells is known as the node of Ranvier, and serves as points along the neuron for generating a signal. Signals jumping from node to node travel hundreds of times faster than signals traveling along the surface of the axon. This allows your brain to communicate with your toes in a few thousandths of a second.

Would someone explain me, please, the sentence in bold?
My doubt is why signals jumping from node to node travel hundreds of times faster than signals traveling along the surface of the axon.
 
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Okay, the fatty myelin sheaths that wrap around axons do not allow the sodium ions to diffuse into the neuron, thus inhibiting a neural response. But, there is a way to get around that. The gaps, or nodes of Ranvier, allow the impulse to travel hundreds of times faster because many parts of the neuron that are myelinated can be bypassed. This means that the signal literally jumps from node to node, and it is faster than having an action potential travel along the entire axon.

Does that help? If you look at a diagram of a myelinated axon, you may see it more clearly.
 
Thank you vitaly for your explanation, altough I did already understand it by information colected in a search. I should had advised, sorry.
 

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