The nodes of Ranvier are small gaps in the myelin sheath that covers the axons of neurons. They are crucial for the rapid conduction of nerve impulses.
Nodes of Ranvier are found at regular intervals along the length of a myelinated axon. They are gaps in the myelin sheath where the axon is exposed to the extracellular fluid. These gaps are important for the propagation of action potentials in a process called saltatory conduction.
The main function of the nodes of Ranvier is to allow for the rapid conduction of nerve impulses along the axon. The myelin sheath insulates the axon, and the gaps at the nodes of Ranvier help the action potential "jump" from one node to the next, which speeds up the conduction of the nerve impulse.