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What is Myelin?

S. Mithra
S. Mithra

As part of the nervous system, myelin lines nerve fibers to protect and insulate neurons. Myelin aids in the quick and accurate transmission of electrical current carrying data from one nerve cell to the next. When myelin becomes damaged, the process involves numerous health conditions, including multiple sclerosis.

Nerves are like an electrical wire. Current (the message) must be conducted along a path (the nerve) to successfully get from point A to point B (the brain to a fingertip). The electrical current must travel without being corrupted, scrambled, diverted from the proper path, or leaking energy. Therefore, myelin is like the layer of plastic insulation surrounding an interior wire, which is the nerve. Additionally, myelin speeds the conduction, so it's also analogous to a secondary coating on the wire that reduces the resistance facing an electrical current. The interior wire represents the series of axons and nerve cells that relay the electrical impulse.

Myelin is necessary for the body's nervous system to function properly.
Myelin is necessary for the body's nervous system to function properly.

Myelin is always made of lipids of proteins, but it functions slightly differently depending on where in our nervous system it's employed. Our body has a Peripheral Nervous System, PNS, that branches from the spinal cord to carry information related to sensory input, while our brain's Central Nervous System, CNS, determines how to act on that input. Each of these systems synthesizes myelin in a different way, so different complications can result.

Myelin protects and insulates neurons.
Myelin protects and insulates neurons.

Dysfunction in the myelin of nerve fibers causes the interruption of smooth delivery of information. Either nerve impulses can be slowed, such that we can't pull our hand away in time to avoid being burned, or mixed up, so we aren't able to determine if a pan is hot in the first place. This is akin to a pet chewing on a wire, causing the device to dysfunction. When problems arise in nerves of the PNS, neuropathy might result, and when injury affects the nerves of the CNS, multiple sclerosis is often diagnosed.

Physical therapy can be used to treat the muscle weakness and fatigue associated with some demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Physical therapy can be used to treat the muscle weakness and fatigue associated with some demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.

This serious disease, multiple sclerosis, causes demyelination. In demyelination, an auto-immune reaction, our body attacks our own healthy myelin, deteriorating and scarring the important lining. In later stages, the cells that produce myelin in the CNS, oligodendrocytes, are destroyed so that no further replacement is possible. This permanently weakens and damages the entire nerve, resulting in compromised axons in extreme cases. Researchers are looking into preventing this auto-immune response, as well as stimulating oligodendrocytes to replace the damaged myelin before they are themselves attacked.

Discussion Comments

anon107102

I just read Daniel Coyle's book "The Talent Code" which discusses the issue of myelin extensively. I am a violinist and music teacher and the concept of myelin has radically altered the way I look at skill versus "talent" in development.

anon77374

Myelin is what deteriorates in the brain during old age, right?

anon66449

lower intake of oleic acid results in lowered oleic acid levels in what?

anon51326

The best way to increase Myelin is through intensive learning of any activity where you want to improve speed, accuracy or efficiency of an action. Intensive learning will need to be slow and focused exercise.

anon35754

How can loss of myelin affect motor control, and single muscle movement?

anon35641

Can the myelin increase more rapidly with vitamins/therapy? -POG

laluna

Since we are not born with fully developed myelin lining, it is important to protect young brains, for that matter any brain, from activities that might inhibit healthy growth. That would include eating healthy diet, avoiding stress, sufficient sleep, and avoiding smoking and drugs.

Myelin lining continues to grow into adulthood, and it seems to reach the peak around the age of 40, when it starts slowly to break down.

anon20459

response to adarst: Myelin is part of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Vitamin B- complex acts to strengthen the CNS and PNS. Specifically B-12, however increased vitamin b-12 intake should be monitored by a health care practitioner, in order to prevent overdose. a healthy adult needs not exceed 2.4mg/day. however it is important to address the 2 types of B-12. the first B-12 is cynocobalamin. This is also the least expensive and is found in most drug stores, however the most effective form is methylcobalamin.

adarst

What vitamin is linked with mylein?

mnscout

Is Myelin good for CMT?

Thanks

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    • Myelin is necessary for the body's nervous system to function properly.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Myelin is necessary for the body's nervous system to function properly.
    • Myelin protects and insulates neurons.
      By: kateryna zakorko
      Myelin protects and insulates neurons.
    • Physical therapy can be used to treat the muscle weakness and fatigue associated with some demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
      By: goodluz
      Physical therapy can be used to treat the muscle weakness and fatigue associated with some demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
    • Numbness and burning in the feet are common symptoms of demyelinating neuropathy.
      By: nebari
      Numbness and burning in the feet are common symptoms of demyelinating neuropathy.
    • Demyelination may be a consequence of multiple sclerosis.
      By: joshya
      Demyelination may be a consequence of multiple sclerosis.