myelize

Myelization is a process in which the cytoplasm of a neuron is replaced by a specialized substance called myelin. This process is crucial for the efficient transmission of electrical signals along the axon of a neuron. Myelin is produced by a type of glial cell called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) and by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The myelin sheath forms a multilayered insulation around the axon, which increases the speed of signal transmission by up to 100 times. This is achieved by preventing the leakage of electrical current and reducing the capacitance of the axon membrane. Myelization is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, particularly in facilitating the rapid transmission of signals over long distances. The process of myelination typically occurs during the development of the nervous system and can also occur in adulthood in response to injury or disease. Dysmyelination, or the failure of proper myelination, can lead to various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.