What is the difference between myelinated and non-myelinated nerve fiber?

In: Zoology or Animal Biology, Human and Animal Interaction, Veterinary Medicine

The myelin sheath on a nerve fiber is used for insulation and fast conduction of nerve impulses. Myelin is composed of lipids and proteins and is white in appearance, giving the "white matter" of the brain it's color. When the myelin sheath starts to degrade, nerve impulses are conducted improperly or are lost entirely, and the nerve eventually withers and dies. People with signs of demyelination may experience blurriness, double vision, odd tingling sensations in the upper body, limb weakness, speech impairment, memory loss, heat sensitivity, loss of coordination, fatigue, and loss of control over bowel movements.

First answer by Rosie.wenger. Last edit by Rosie.wenger. Contributor trust: 153 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 3 [recommend question]

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