MYELIN SHEATHS Meaning and
Definition
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Myelin sheaths refer to the protective layer of insulation formed around nerve fibers in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Composed of a fatty substance called myelin, these sheaths play a critical role in facilitating the efficient transmission of electrical impulses between neurons, enhancing the speed and accuracy of signal conduction.
The myelin sheath acts as an insulating coat around nerve fibers, which are also known as axons. These nerve fibers transmit electrical signals, called action potentials, which carry information throughout the body. The myelin sheaths ensure that the electrical signals are conducted swiftly and efficiently by preventing cross-talk between adjacent nerve fibers and reducing signal loss or attenuation.
In the central nervous system, myelin sheaths are formed by specialized glial cells called oligodendrocytes, while in the peripheral nervous system, they are formed by Schwann cells. These cells wrap themselves around the axons, creating multiple concentric layers of myelin. The resulting segmented appearance of myelin sheaths gives the nervous tissue a white, glossy appearance, leading to the term "white matter."
Damage or destruction of myelin sheaths can result in a condition called demyelination, which leads to impaired nerve signaling. Demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, depending on the location and extent of damage to the myelin sheaths.
Overall, myelin sheaths are vital for proper neuronal communication and the efficient functioning of the nervous system.
Common Misspellings for MYELIN SHEATHS
- nyelin sheaths
- kyelin sheaths
- jyelin sheaths
- mtelin sheaths
- mgelin sheaths
- mhelin sheaths
- muelin sheaths
- m7elin sheaths
- m6elin sheaths
- mywlin sheaths
- myslin sheaths
- mydlin sheaths
- myrlin sheaths
- my4lin sheaths
- my3lin sheaths
- myekin sheaths
- myepin sheaths
- myeoin sheaths
- myelun sheaths
- myeljn sheaths
Etymology of MYELIN SHEATHS
The word "myelin" is derived from the Greek word "myelos", which means "marrow" or "substance within the bones". The word "sheath" comes from the Old English word "scēath", which refers to a protective covering. When combined, "myelin sheaths" describe the protective coverings made of myelin that surround nerve fibers in the body.
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