What are the gaps in the myelin sheath known as?

The gaps in the myelin sheath are known as the Nodes of Ranvier. These nodes play a crucial role in the conduction of nerve impulses. Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers, allowing electrical signals to travel more efficiently along the axon. The presence of these gaps enables a process called saltatory conduction, where the action potential jumps from one node to the next, significantly increasing the speed of signal transmission. This mechanism enhances the overall efficiency of the nervous system's communication by allowing for faster reaction times and reducing energy expenditure during impulse conduction.

Understanding the function of the Nodes of Ranvier is vital, as it highlights how myelination affects neural communication. In contrast, synapses refer to the junctions between neurons, axon terminals are the endings of axons where neurotransmitters are released, and dendritic spines are small protrusions on neurons that receive synaptic inputs. These terms serve different roles in neural structure and function, distinct from the specific function of the Nodes of Ranvier.