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The function of the myelin sheath is to insulate the axon of the neuron. When there are gaps in the sheath, known as nodes of Ranvier, the nerve impulse can jump from gap to gap, thus increasing greatly the speed of conduction of the nerve impulse. This is known as saltatory conduction.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoInsulation - much like the coating on the outside of electrical wires. Increases the speed of transmissions across the axon.
The main purpose of myelin is to cover neuron cells so that it can conduct action potential more quickly.
If you examine a myelinated neural axon within peripheral nervous system, you will see Schwann cells that cover the cell's axon with myelin sheaths. In between the myelin sheaths are what is called Nodes of Ranvier. So if you follow propagation of an action potential you will see that it starts with the addition of charges through the dendrites into the soma (cell body) and into the axonal hillock. If the summation of charges is beyond the threshold, the action potential will proceed down the axon. Myelin allows the charges to "jump" from node to node. Time of propagation is reduced and also distance covered is increased. In the peripheral nervous system, it is multiple Schwann cells that myelinate one neuron and in the central nervous system, one oligodendrocyte myelinates several neurons.
Also myelin is composed of lipids which makes its conductance very low or not at all. This is the intrinsic property that allows the charges to "jump" over the myelin.
It speeds up the speed of nerve transmission ... by quite a bit (say a 100 times).
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoMyelin (sheath) is a white fatty covering (of proteins and phospholipids) that wrap around axons (long nerve fibers that deliver impulses from one neuron to another) insulating them to help them fire faster.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoa wrapping of myelin around certain nerve axons serving as an electrical insalator that speeds nerve impulses to muscles and other effectors
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoIncreases the speed of conduction of action potentials...
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The layer of lipid around an axon is called?
Myelin sheath
What insulates nerve fibers?
Myelin sheaths insulate nerve fibers
What is the fatty substance that speeds up transmission of impulses and surrounds the axon of a neuron?
The fatty tissue surrounding the axon of a neuron is called myelin.
What is the fatty tissue that covers axons and speeds up impulses as they travel from cell to cell?
That substance is called the myelin cell or myelin sheath.
What does myelin sheath wrap around?
The myelin sheath wraps around the around the axon of a neuron. The gaps of the myelin sheath are not insulated and are therefore capable of generating electrical activity.
What increases the speed of the transmission?
Myelin Sheath Myelin Sheath
What is the myelin sheath's function?
The function of the myelin sheath is to insulate the axon of the neuron. When there are gaps in the sheath, known as nodes of Ranvier, the nerve impulse can jump from gap to gap, thus increasing greatly the speed of conduction of the nerve impulse. This is known as saltatory conduction.
What the function of the myelin sheath?
The function of the myelin sheath is to insulate the axon of the neuron. When there are gaps in the sheath, known as nodes of Ranvier, the nerve impulse can jump from gap to gap, thus increasing greatly the speed of conduction of the nerve impulse. This is known as saltatory conduction.
What are schwann cell nucleus'?
myelin sheath peace.love.faith
What increases the speed of impulse transmission?
Myelin Sheath Myelin Sheath
What cell main function is to provide insulation and structure for neurons?
myelin sheath
It insulates the axon of the neuron?
An insulating layer that surrounds the axon is a myelin sheath.
The layer of lipid around an axon is called?
Myelin sheath
What is myelin sheath on nerve fibers?
The endoneurium surrounds and protects the myelin sheath.
What is the definition of myelin sheath?
A myelin sheath is a layer of myelin (a dielectric, or electric insulator) around the axon of a neuron.
What creates myelin sheath?
Oligodendrocytes are specialized neurolgical cells that produce myelin sheath.
What is the patchy disappearance in multiple sclerosis?
the Myelin Sheath Myelin Sheath Your welcome I had to look for it
