CONDUCTION OF IMPULSE -

IN NON-MYELINATED AXONS -

• The impulse moves along the axon as local effect by altering the permeability of neighbouring Na⁺  channels and affecting every next channels in succession moving the effect ahead from axon hilllock to the axon terminal.
• This is called stepwise or local circuit theory of transmission & is comparatively a slower conduction, generally found in invertebrates.

IN MYELINATED AXON -

• As axon is insulated the impulse, generated at axon hilock can effect the Na+  channel only at the node of Ranvier where the axolemma is exposed, which means Na+  can cross the membrane only at these sites.
• This effect moves quickly from one node to another i.e. saltatory transmission.
• Velocity of transmission of impulse is a to       

                     - degree of myelination

                     - temperature

                     - diameter of axon, it is 1500 m in sea squid while in vertebrats only 25-35 m

• The average valocity of conduction in frog is about 20-25 m/sec. while in mammals 100-200 m/sec.
• The fastest in some nerves of human beings is upto 532 kmph.