Myelination
Myelination (pronounced: my-uh-lin-ation) is a process in the nervous system where neurons are covered with a protective layer of myelin. This layer is produced by two types of glial cells: Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.
Etymology
The term "myelination" is derived from the Greek word "myelos", which means marrow. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the process of forming a myelin sheath around a nerve fiber.
Function
Myelination serves to increase the speed at which electrical impulses, known as action potentials, propagate along the myelinated fiber. This process is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Development
Myelination begins in the fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy and continues into the third decade of life. The process is regulated by a variety of genes and proteins, including myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP).
Related Terms
- Demyelination: The loss or damage of the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers. It is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
- Remyelination: The process by which the body attempts to repair damaged myelin sheaths.
- Hypermyelination: An excessive production of myelin, which can lead to various neurological disorders.
- Hypomyelination: A condition characterized by insufficient formation of myelin, often associated with certain genetic disorders.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Myelination
- Wikipedia's article - Myelination
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