Myelin Sheath
A fatty white substance that surrounds the axon of some nerve cells, forming an electrically insulating layer.
The myelin sheath is an insulating layer that surrounds the axons of neurons in the nervous system. This sheath is made up of fatty material called myelin, which is made by specialized cells called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.
The main function of the myelin sheath is to increase the speed at which electrical impulses are conducted along the axon. Without this insulation, the electrical impulses would be slower and weaker, making it difficult for neurons to communicate with each other effectively. Additionally, the myelin sheath protects the axon from damage and helps to conserve energy by preventing the dissipation of electrical currents.
Diseases that affect the myelin sheath can have a significant impact on neurological function. Multiple sclerosis, for example, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks and destroys the myelin sheath, leading to impaired communication between neurons and a range of neurological symptoms. Injuries that directly damage the myelin sheath, such as spinal cord injuries, can also result in impaired neurological function.
More Answers:
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