Which sensory modality has the fastest conduction velocity?

• A. Proprioception
• B. Nociception
• C. Warmth receptors
• D. Temperature discrimination

Answer: (A)

Conduction velocity in sensory nerves is fastest for large, myelinated fibers. Proprioception uses large-diameter, heavily myelinated A-alpha fibers that carry signals from muscle spindles and joint receptors at the highest speeds, enabling quick body-position and movement feedback. In contrast, warmth receptors, temperature discrimination, and nociception rely on smaller or less myelinated fibers (like A-delta and C fibers), which conduct more slowly. So proprioception has the fastest conduction velocity because of the fiber type that transmits its signals.