In a neuron, which structure aids in the conduction of electrical impulses?

The myelin sheath is a critical structure in a neuron that enhances the conduction of electrical impulses. This insulating layer surrounds the axons of many neurons and is formed by specialized cells, such as oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. The primary function of the myelin sheath is to increase the speed at which action potentials travel along the axon.

This is achieved through a process called saltatory conduction. In myelinated fibers, the action potentials jump between the nodes of Ranvier—gaps in the myelin sheath—where the axon membrane is exposed. As a result, this jump significantly increases the conduction velocity compared to unmyelinated axons, where the action potential must propagate along the entire membrane continuously.

In contrast, structures like the anode, synapse, and dendrite have different functions within the neuronal environment. The anode is a component of electrical systems unrelated to neuronal impulse conduction. Synapses are junctions where neurons communicate with each other or with other types of cells but do not directly conduct electrical impulses themselves. Dendrites are receptive structures that receive signals from other neurons but do not conduct the impulses along the axon. Thus, the myelin sheath