myelinisatsiooni

Myelinisation is a biological process that involves the formation of a fatty substance called myelin around the axons of neurons. This process is crucial for the efficient transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system. Myelin acts as an insulator, allowing signals to travel more quickly and with less energy consumption. It is primarily composed of lipids, proteins, and cholesterol.

The process of myelinisation begins with the wrapping of glial cells, known as oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), around the axons. These glial cells produce multiple layers of myelin, creating a segmented structure known as the myelin sheath. The gaps between the myelin segments, called nodes of Ranvier, are essential for the rapid conduction of electrical signals.

Myelinisation is a dynamic process that can occur throughout life, with the formation and remyelination of axons being essential for neural repair and plasticity. Dysfunction in myelinisation is associated with various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and leukodystrophies. Understanding the mechanisms of myelinisation is therefore vital for the development of therapies for these conditions.