What is myelin and what are its functions
The myelin consists of a lipoprotein material, which constitutes certain systems of phospholipid bilayers, which we find especially in our nervous system. It forms a thick layer around the neuronal axons (prolongation of specialized neurons in driving the nerve impulse from the cell body to another cell), which allows the correct and proper transmission of nerve impulses between different and different parts of our body, thanks to its insulating effect.
In regard to its composition, myelin is arranged in different layers around the axon, forming what is known as myelin sheath. Being a substance with insulating capacity tends to increase the strength of the axonal membrane, as well as the conduction velocity of the nerve impulse.
What are the functions of myelin?
The main function of myelin is to act as conductor of electrical impulses They send and receive messages of all kinds to the organism. That is to say, ensure the speed of propagation and the continuity of the action potential.
In this way, we can say that myelin serves so that the electrical potential is driven much faster. That is, its purpose is allow the rapid, efficient and effective transmission of impulses along the neurons. In this sense, the nervous impulse tends to advance in leaps, from node to node, so that it progresses much faster. This phenomenon is known by the name of impulse saltatory driving.
Therefore, when the myelin is damaged, the impulses are delayed, with the appearance of certain disorders or certain diseases, such as, for example, multiple sclerosis.
