myeliniseerd

Myeliniseerd is a Dutch term used to describe a nerve fiber that has been or is being covered with a myelin sheath. In neuroscience, myelination is the process by which glial cells form insulating layers around axons, increasing the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission.

In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes wrap segments of multiple axons with myelin. In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells insulate individual axons. The myelin sheath consists largely of lipid-rich lamellae and is interspersed with nodes of Ranvier, which enable saltatory conduction and markedly faster nerve impulses.

Developmentally, myelination begins in prenatal stages and continues into adolescence, with regional variation in timing. It can be assessed histologically through staining methods such as Luxol fast blue or through imaging techniques like diffusion tensor MRI, which reflect myelin integrity.

Functionally, myelination increases conduction velocity, reduces energy consumption, and improves signal fidelity. This supports rapid and coordinated neural processing required for complex motor and cognitive tasks.

Demyelination or hypomyelination—conditions where myelin is lost or inadequately formed—impairs nerve conduction and can lead to neurological deficits. Examples include multiple sclerosis and various leukodystrophies and neuropathies.

In scientific contexts, myeliniseerd describes fibers that have acquired myelin, while related terms include myelinisatie (the process) and myeliniseren (the verb).