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Oct 16
The myelin sheath is a protective covering that surrounds the axon of a neuron. It is made up of specialized cells called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. The myelin sheath is composed of layers of lipid-rich substance that insulates the axon and helps to speed up the transmission of electrical impulses along the neuron.
The myelin sheath acts as an electrical insulator, preventing the loss of electrical signals and allowing for faster and more efficient transmission of nerve impulses. It also provides structural support and protection for the axon.
Damage to the myelin sheath can result in a variety of neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, where the immune system attacks and destroys the myelin sheath, leading to impaired nerve function.
The myelin sheath acts as an electrical insulator, preventing the loss of electrical signals and allowing for faster and more efficient transmission of nerve impulses. It also provides structural support and protection for the axon.
Damage to the myelin sheath can result in a variety of neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, where the immune system attacks and destroys the myelin sheath, leading to impaired nerve function.
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Google Gemini AI
Oct 16
Definition:
The myelin sheath is a multilayered insulating membrane that surrounds the axon of neurons in the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is formed by the wrapping of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.
Structure:
- Lipid bilayer: Each layer of the myelin sheath is a phospholipid bilayer.
- Cytoplasm: Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes encapsulate the axon, with their cytoplasm being squeezed out.
- Protein components: Myelin contains various proteins, including myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG).
Function:
- Electrical insulation: The myelin sheath creates an electrical barrier around the axon, insulating it and preventing the leaking of ionic currents. This allows for faster and more efficient transmission of electrical signals (action potentials).
- Saltatory conduction: The myelin sheath is not continuous and has gaps called nodes of Ranvier. Action potentials "jump" from node to node, increasing the speed of signal conduction.
- Metabolic support: The myelin sheath provides nutrients and ions to the axon, supporting its function.
Development:
- Myelination begins in the peripheral nervous system during embryonic development and continues into adulthood.
- In the central nervous system, myelination occurs after birth and peaks during adolescence.
Importance:
- Myelination is essential for normal brain and nervous system function.
- Damage to the myelin sheath, known as demyelination, can cause neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
The myelin sheath is a multilayered insulating membrane that surrounds the axon of neurons in the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is formed by the wrapping of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.
Structure:
- Lipid bilayer: Each layer of the myelin sheath is a phospholipid bilayer.
- Cytoplasm: Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes encapsulate the axon, with their cytoplasm being squeezed out.
- Protein components: Myelin contains various proteins, including myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG).
Function:
- Electrical insulation: The myelin sheath creates an electrical barrier around the axon, insulating it and preventing the leaking of ionic currents. This allows for faster and more efficient transmission of electrical signals (action potentials).
- Saltatory conduction: The myelin sheath is not continuous and has gaps called nodes of Ranvier. Action potentials "jump" from node to node, increasing the speed of signal conduction.
- Metabolic support: The myelin sheath provides nutrients and ions to the axon, supporting its function.
Development:
- Myelination begins in the peripheral nervous system during embryonic development and continues into adulthood.
- In the central nervous system, myelination occurs after birth and peaks during adolescence.
Importance:
- Myelination is essential for normal brain and nervous system function.
- Damage to the myelin sheath, known as demyelination, can cause neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
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