Does myelin protect axons?

Myelin is wrapped around axons (nerves) and serves to protect the nerves and to enhance nerve transmission. Myelin, as well as the underlying axon, is a target of damage in MS. Myelin is made up of fats and proteins.

What does myelin do to the brain?

Myelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty substances. This myelin sheath allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells.

What does myelin do for an axon?

Much like the insulation around the wires in electrical systems, glial cells form a membraneous sheath surrounding axons called myelin, thereby insulating the axon. This myelination, as it is called, can greatly increase the speed of signals transmitted between neurons (known as action potentials).

What protects neuron axon?

Glial (Neuroglial) cells do not conduct nerve impulses, but, instead, support, nourish, and protect the neurons. Glial cells are far more numerous than neurons and, unlike neurons, are capable of mitosis.

How myelin sheath acts as an insulator?

The lipid-rich myelin sheath, therefore, acts as an insulator, offering high transverse resistance and only allowing a current to flow along with the segments that lie between these nodes of Ranvier.

How are glia different from neurons?

Glial cells differ to neurons in terms of structure. Neurons will have an axon and dendrites which are used to transfer electrical signals between other nerve cells. Glial cells, however, do not have axons or dendrites. Despite being smaller in size, glial cells are more numerous than neurons.

What are the two functions of myelin?

The main functions of the myelin sheath are:

• It acts as an electrical insulator for the neurone – it prevents electrical impulses travelling through the sheath.
• The sheath prevents the movement of ions into or out of the neurone/ it prevents depolarisation.