Myelin

Definition

Myelin is a fatty substance that forms a sheath around the axons of neurons, facilitating rapid transmission of electrical impulses. It is crucial for proper functioning of the nervous system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Myelin increases the speed at which electrical impulses travel along the neuron by insulating the axon.
2. Demyelination, or damage to the myelin sheath, can lead to neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
3. Nutritional factors, including adequate intake of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids, are essential for maintaining healthy myelin sheaths.
4. Myelination begins in infancy and continues into young adulthood, highlighting the importance of nutrition during early development.
5. Oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system are responsible for producing myelin.

Review Questions

• What role does myelin play in neural communication?
• How can nutritional deficiencies impact myelin integrity?
• Which cells are responsible for producing myelin in the central and peripheral nervous systems?

Related terms

Oligodendrocytes: Cells in the central nervous system that produce myelin.

Schwann Cells: Cells in the peripheral nervous system responsible for myelinating axons.

Demyelination: The process by which myelin sheaths are damaged or destroyed, affecting neural function.