myelin sheath
covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses. Insulates
The myelin sheath is a structure of specialized cells that wrap around and insulate nerve fibers in the central and peripheral nervous systems. These cells, called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system, create a fatty layer of insulation around the axons of neurons. This insulation improves the speed and efficiency of nerve impulse transmission by allowing electrical impulses to jump rapidly from one node of Ranvier to the next along the length of the axon.
The myelin sheath is essential for proper nerve function, as it protects the axons from damage and enables the transmission of nerve impulses over long distances. Diseases that damage or destroy the myelin sheath can interfere with nerve function, leading to a range of neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations. These disorders are collectively referred to as demyelinating diseases, and include conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Treatments for demyelinating diseases often aim to slow or halt the progression of nerve damage, and may include medications or physical therapy.
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