Myelin Sheath (Noun)
Meaning
A layer of myelin encasing (and insulating) the axons of medullated nerve fibers.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The myelin sheath is a fatty, insulating layer that surrounds the axon of a neuron, facilitating the transmission of electrical signals.
- Damage to the myelin sheath can disrupt communication between nerve cells, leading to conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
- The myelin sheath is composed of lipids and proteins, which are compacted to form a tight, insulating layer around the axon.
- In the central nervous system, the myelin sheath is formed by oligodendrocytes, a type of glial cell.
- The myelin sheath is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, as it allows for rapid and efficient transmission of electrical signals along the axon.