MYELINATION Meaning and
Definition
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Myelination is a biological process in which the myelin sheath, a protective covering made of fatty substance called myelin, forms around nerve fibers or axons in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). It is an essential part of the development and functioning of the nervous system, where it enables faster and more efficient transmission of electrical impulses between nerve cells.
During myelination, specialized cells called oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS wrap around the axons, creating multiple layers of myelin. This insulation acts as an electrical insulator, preventing signal loss or leakage and increasing the speed of nerve impulse conduction. Accumulation of myelin also enhances signal transduction between neurons, facilitating proper functioning of the nervous system by ensuring that signals arrive at their destination accurately and rapidly.
Myelination primarily occurs during early development, starting prenatally and continuing throughout infancy and adolescence. However, it can also occur throughout life in response to learning, experience, and brain plasticity. Disorders or conditions that disrupt or impair myelination can lead to severe neurological problems or cognitive impairment.
Overall, myelination is a crucial process in the nervous system that promotes efficient communication between nerve cells, contributing to various important functions such as motor coordination, sensory processing, and cognitive abilities.
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The acquisition of a medullary sheath, said of the axis-cylinder of a nervefiber.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MYELINATION
- myelinization
- myelinsiation
- myelinisation
- Selination
- nyelination
- kyelination
- jyelination
- mtelination
- mgelination
- mhelination
- muelination
- m7elination
- m6elination
- mywlination
- myslination
- mydlination
- myrlination
- my4lination
- my3lination
- myekination
- myepination
- myeoination
- miyelination
Etymology of MYELINATION
The word "myelination" is derived from the Greek word "myelos", meaning "marrow". In biology, "marrow" refers to the soft fatty substance found in the center of bones. The term "myelin" is derived from "myelos" and is used to describe the protective sheath that forms around nerve fibers. Thus, "myelination" is the process of forming myelin around nerve fibers, aiding in their insulation and conduction of signals.
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