MYELINIC AXON Meaning and
Definition
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A myelinic axon refers to a specialized type of neuronal fiber or nerve cell process found in the nervous system. More precisely, it is an axon that is encased in a protective and insulating sheath made up of a substance called myelin. Myelin is produced by a type of cell called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS), or Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This myelin sheath acts as an electrical insulator and is essential for the rapid transmission of nerve impulses along the axon.
The myelinic axon can be found in both the CNS and the PNS, connecting different areas of the nervous system and enabling effective signaling and communication. The myelin sheath greatly speeds up the conduction of electrical impulses by allowing the nerve impulses to jump efficiently from one node of Ranvier to the next. This process, known as saltatory conduction, enhances the efficiency of communication between different parts of the nervous system.
Damage or dysfunction of myelin can lead to various neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), where the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the myelin sheaths in the CNS. Consequently, the transmission of signals along the myelinic axons is impaired, resulting in a range of neurological symptoms.
In summary, a myelinic axon is an axon that is covered in a protective myelin sheath, which plays a vital role in facilitating the rapid transmission of nerve impulses within the nervous system.
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A medullated axis-cylinder process of a neuron.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MYELINIC AXON
- myelinic axnn
- myelinic axof
- myelinic axol
- myelinic axoo
- myelinicaxeon
- myelinnicaxon
- m yelinic axon
- my elinic axon
- mye linic axon
- myel inic axon
- myeli nic axon
- myelin ic axon
- myelini c axon
- myelinic a xon
- myelinic ax on
- myelinic axo n
Etymology of MYELINIC AXON
The term "myelinic axon" is derived from the combination of two separate terms: "myelin" and "axon".
The term "myelin" originates from the Greek word "myelos", meaning marrow or spinal cord. It refers to the white, fatty substance that forms an insulating sheath around certain nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). This myelin sheath is crucial for the proper transmission of nerve impulses.
The term "axon" comes from the Greek word "axōn", meaning axle or axis. In neuroscience, it refers to a long, slender projection of a nerve cell (neuron) that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body, towards other neurons or target cells. Axons are a vital component of the nervous system and serve as the main transmission lines for signals across the body.
