Question

15 the disease called multiple sclerosis involves an immune response against myelin of the central nervous system, causing scar formation (sclerosis) within the neural tissue. how would this affect nerve impulse conduction? multiple choice impulses are spontaneously generated in damaged cells. impulses travel much faster than normal. impulses are blocked or interrupted

Explanation:

Myelin in the central nervous system acts as an insulator for nerve fibers, facilitating rapid and efficient nerve impulse conduction. In multiple sclerosis, the immune - mediated destruction of myelin (and subsequent scar formation) disrupts this insulation. Nerve impulses rely on the integrity of the myelin sheath for proper saltatory conduction (a type of rapid impulse propagation). When myelin is damaged, the normal flow of electrical signals (nerve impulses) along the axons is hindered. Impulses are not spontaneously generated in damaged cells in a way that would be beneficial for normal neural communication. Also, without proper myelin, impulses cannot travel faster (as myelin is crucial for increasing conduction speed). Instead, the scarred and demyelinated regions create obstacles, leading to the blocking or interruption of nerve impulses.

Answer:

Impulses are blocked or interrupted.