Action potential propagation

Action potential propagation is the process by which electrical signals travel along nerve fibers to communicate information in the body. When a nerve cell is stimulated, a rapid change in electrical charge occurs across its membrane, creating an electrical impulse called an action potential. This impulse then moves along the nerve fiber as a wave, triggering neighboring sections to also change their charge, continuing the signal. Myelin sheath, if present, helps speed up this process by insulating the nerve, allowing the electrical signal to jump between gaps called nodes of Ranvier. This efficient process enables quick transmission of messages throughout the nervous system.