Myelination is the process of formation of the myelin sheath around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. The myelin sheath plays an important role in transmitting nerve impulses between neurons, ensuring the speed and accuracy of information transfer.
Myelination begins during embryonic development and continues throughout life. The process of myelination begins with the formation of axial cylinders - tubes that consist of proteins and lipids and pass through the nervous tissue. A myelin sheath then forms around these axial cylinders.
Myelination requires certain proteins and lipids. Proteins such as myelin-associated glycoprotein and myelin are synthesized in nerve cells and then transported to the site of myelination. Lipids such as cholesterol and sphingomyelin are also necessary for the formation of the myelin sheath.
The process of myelination is controlled by many genes and environmental factors. For example, a lack of vitamin B12 or a deficiency of myelin protein can lead to impaired myelination and the development of myelinopathy, a disease in which the myelin sheath does not form properly.
Overall, myelination plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system and is a key process in the development of the brain and spinal cord. Impaired myelination can lead to various diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and others. Therefore, the study of myelination is of great importance for understanding the functioning of the nervous system and developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
What is myelination? Myelination is the process of forming a thin protective layer, known as myelin, around nerve fibers in the brain and peripheral nerves. This process occurs during their maturation and helps protect nerve cells from damage and improves the speed of information transfer. Myelination is an important part of nervous system development and is essential for normal brain and nervous system function.
Mechanism of Myelination As nerve fibers mature, they are surrounded by myelin in two main stages: primary and secondary. Primary myelination occurs when a neuron is formed. During this time, the nerve fiber is divided into short segments called dendrites and axons. Axons are long, thin fibers that transmit impulses between the brain and other parts of the body. Dendrites are short, thick fibers that collect and send information to axons.
Axons, dendrites, and interneurons become myelinated at approximately the same age as the neurons themselves. Simultaneously with the arrival of new neurons, new axons and dendrites appear, requiring new myelin. The synapses that exist between these neurons also require a myelin sheath to improve communication between them. Several months later, most of them are myelinated, while others are found without myelin. About two-thirds of the most developed axons have a sheath created after birth.
However, not all axons are myelinated to the same extent. Axons small