How Do You Spell WHITE SUBSTANCE OF SCHWANN?

Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪt sˈʌbstəns ɒv ʃwˈan] (IPA)

The white substance of Schwann, also known as myelin, is a substance found in the nervous system that helps to protect and insulate nerve fibers. This substance is named after its discoverer, German biologist Theodor Schwann. The correct spelling of this word is [waɪt ˈsʌbstəns ʌv ʃwɑːn], where the "w" in "white" is pronounced as a voiced labiovelar approximant [w], the "a" sound in "substance" is phonetically transcribed as [ʌ], the stress falls on the second syllable of "Schwann", and the final consonants in both words are voiced.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Basic Check Advanced Check

WHITE SUBSTANCE OF SCHWANN Meaning and Definition

  1. The white substance of Schwann, also known as myelin, is a specialized white, fatty material that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system. It is named after the Swiss anatomist Theodor Schwann who described this substance in the 19th century. Myelin serves as an important protective layer, facilitating the efficient transmission of electrical impulses along the nerve fibers.

    The white substance of Schwann is composed of multiple layers of myelin, which are formed by the plasma membrane of cells called Schwann cells. These cells wrap around the nerve fibers, creating a segmented appearance with gaps or nodes of Ranvier in between each segment. The myelin acts as an insulator, preventing electrical signals from diffusing out of the nerve fibers and enhancing their conduction speed.

    By virtue of its white color, the white substance of Schwann contributes to the appearance of white matter in the central nervous system where myelinated nerve fibers predominantly reside. It plays a crucial role in facilitating rapid and efficient transmission of nerve impulses, enabling precise communication between different parts of the body.

    Disorders affecting the white substance of Schwann, such as demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis, can lead to impaired nerve signaling. Damage to the myelin sheath can result in reduced or interrupted transmission of nerve impulses, leading to various neurological symptoms and impairments. Understanding the structure and function of the white substance of Schwann is fundamental to comprehending the underlying mechanisms and potential treatments for these conditions.

  2. See Schwann.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for WHITE SUBSTANCE OF SCHWANN

  • qhite substance of schwann
  • ahite substance of schwann
  • shite substance of schwann
  • ehite substance of schwann
  • 3hite substance of schwann
  • 2hite substance of schwann
  • wgite substance of schwann
  • wbite substance of schwann
  • wnite substance of schwann
  • wjite substance of schwann
  • wuite substance of schwann
  • wyite substance of schwann
  • whute substance of schwann
  • whjte substance of schwann
  • whkte substance of schwann
  • whote substance of schwann
  • wh9te substance of schwann
  • wh8te substance of schwann
  • whire substance of schwann
  • whife substance of schwann