MITOCHONDRIAL SHEATH Meaning and
Definition
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The term "mitochondrial sheath" refers to a specialized structure found in certain cells, particularly nerve cells, within the nervous system. It is a sheath-like arrangement of mitochondria that surrounds and envelops the axons of these cells.
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell since they are responsible for generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through a process called aerobic respiration. They show a high degree of localization at the sites of high metabolic activity in cells. In nerve cells, the axons are the long, slender extensions responsible for transmitting electrical impulses to other nerve cells or towards muscles and glands.
The mitochondrial sheath forms a protective and support layer around the axons, ensuring a sufficient supply of energy for their proper functioning. It aids in both generating and delivering the necessary ATP required for the axons to carry out their electrical signals efficiently over long distances. This organized arrangement of mitochondria assists in maintaining the structural integrity, metabolism, and overall health of the axons.
The mitochondria within the mitochondrial sheath are interconnected, allowing for the exchange of metabolites and the efficient distribution of energy throughout the axon. This optimal energy distribution is crucial for various cellular processes, such as neurotransmitter release, ion channel activity modulation, and maintaining the axonal membrane potential.
In summary, the mitochondrial sheath is a specialized structure composed of mitochondria that surrounds and supports the axons of certain cells, particularly nerve cells. It plays a vital role in providing energy for efficient signal transmission and maintaining the structural integrity of the axons.
Common Misspellings for MITOCHONDRIAL SHEATH
- mitwochondrialsheath
- mitoochondrialsheath
- m itochondrial sheath
- mi tochondrial sheath
- mit ochondrial sheath
- mito chondrial sheath
- mitoc hondrial sheath
- mitoch ondrial sheath
- mitocho ndrial sheath
- mitochon drial sheath
- mitochond rial sheath
- mitochondr ial sheath
- mitochondri al sheath
- mitochondria l sheath
- mitochondrial s heath
- mitochondrial sh eath
- mitochondrial she ath
- mitochondrial shea th
- mitochondrial sheat h
Etymology of MITOCHONDRIAL SHEATH
The term "mitochondrial sheath" does not have a direct etymology since it is not a commonly used scientific term. However, we can break down the parts of the term to understand their origins:
1. Mitochondrial: The word "mitochondrial" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "mitos" meaning "thread" or "filament" and "khondrion" meaning "granule" or "grain". The term was coined by the German scientist Carl Benda in 1897 to describe the thread-like structures he observed in cells.
2. Sheath: The word "sheath" has Old English origins, derived from the Old English word "sceath" meaning "cover" or "case". It entered Middle English as "shethe" and eventually evolved to its current form. In biology, a sheath often refers to a covering or protective layer.
