Myelin sheath

Myelin Sheath is a layer of lipid and protein that wraps around the axon of a neuron. It is produced by two types of glial cells: Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system. The main function of the myelin sheath is to increase the speed of electrical impulses along the neuron.

Structure

The myelin sheath is composed of multiple layers of lipid bilayers, which are interspersed with layers of protein. The lipid component of the myelin sheath is primarily cholesterol, phospholipids, and glycolipids, while the protein component includes myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP).

Function

The primary function of the myelin sheath is to increase the speed of electrical impulses along the neuron. This is achieved through a process known as saltatory conduction, where the electrical impulse jumps from one node of Ranvier (gaps in the myelin sheath) to the next, significantly increasing the speed of conduction.

Clinical significance

Damage to the myelin sheath can result in a number of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. In these conditions, the loss of myelin impairs the conduction of electrical impulses along the neuron, leading to a range of symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, and problems with coordination and balance.

See also

• Neuron
• Schwann cell
• Oligodendrocyte
• Node of Ranvier
• Saltatory conduction
• Multiple sclerosis
• Guillain-Barré syndrome

Myelin sheath Resources
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