What does myelin mean?
Myelin is a type of lipid found in the nervous system of vertebrates. It forms a fatty insulating sheath around nerve fibers, facilitating the transmission of electrical impulses. This myelin sheath is crucial for maintaining proper nerve function and is composed of lipids and proteins. The term myelin is commonly used in biology, neuroscience, and medicine to describe this essential component of the nervous system. Myelin plays a vital role in enabling the efficient transmission of nerve impulses, and its disruption can lead to various neurological disorders.
nounA fatty insulating substance that surrounds the nerve fibers of the vertebrate nervous system.
- A type of lipid found in the nervous system
- A fatty substance that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers
"The myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fibers facilitates the transmission of electrical impulses."
"The myelin sheath is crucial for maintaining proper nerve function."
"Demyelination can lead to various neurological disorders."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of myelin
The term myelin originates from the Greek word 'myelos', meaning 'marrow', and was first used in the late 19th century to describe the fatty substance found in the nervous system. The word has since been adopted into various scientific fields to describe this essential component of the nervous system.
How myelin is actually used
Formal and technical term, commonly used in biology, neuroscience, and medicine.