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C2.2.11 (HL)—Saltatory conduction

Saltatory conduction is rapid impulse transmission in myelinated axons where action potentials are regenerated at nodes of Ranvier, linking cellular mechanisms to rapid communication in nervous systems.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
C2.2.11
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing4%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–3

Common command terms

  • Outline
  • Explain

Recent exam appearances

November 2025Paper1B ["HL"] · TZ13(d)[ 3 ]C2.2.11 (HL)—Saltatory conduction
May 2022Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ124[ 1 ]C2.2.11 (HL)—Saltatory conduction
May 2021Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ224[ 1 ]C2.2.11 (HL)—Saltatory conduction
May 2017Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ235[ 1 ]C2.2.11 (HL)—Saltatory conduction
Practice this objective

Coverage 2017–2025 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Myelin electrically insulates sections of the axon.
  • Nodes of Ranvier are gaps where action potentials are regenerated.
  • Saltatory conduction makes impulses appear to jump between nodes.
  • Myelinated axons conduct impulses faster than comparable unmyelinated axons.
ConceptIB Biology HL