QUESTION: Myelin function in neuron

Answer:

Insulation:

• Myelin acts as an insulating layer around the axons of neurons.
• It is composed of multiple layers of lipid-rich myelin sheaths.
• It wrap around the axon in a spiral fashion.
• This insulation prevents the leakage of electrical impulse thus ensuring nerve impulses travel efficiently along the axon.

Saltatory Conduction:

• The presence of myelin allows for a phenomenon called saltatory conduction.
• In saltatory conduction, the nerve impulses jump rapidly from one node of Ranvier to the next.
• The myelin sheaths act as an insulating barrier between the nodes, enabling faster conduction of the nerve impulses.
• It allows them to skip along the axon rather than propagate along its entire length.

Increased Conduction Speed:

• Myelin sheaths effectively reduce the capacitance of the axon and increase the membrane resistance.
• This allows for faster transmission of electrical signals and enables more rapid and efficient communication between neurons.

Energy Conservation:

• Compared to unmyelinated axons, myelinated axons require less energy expenditure to propagate nerve impulses over long distances.
• This energy conservation is particularly important for neurons with long axons, such as those in the peripheral nervous system.

Axonal Protection:

• Myelin provides a protective layer around the axons, shielding them from physical damage and preventing the loss of electrical signals.

Regulation of Neurotransmitter Release:

• Myelin can also influence the release of neurotransmitters at the synapses.
• It modulates the efficiency and timing of neurotransmitter release.