Myelin

Lipid-rich insulating sheath around axons that multiplies conduction speed through saltatory transmission.

Core Characteristics

• Formed by oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS.
• Gaps called nodes of Ranvier regenerate the action potential.
• Its loss underlies demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Related Concepts & Sources

Axon, Lipid Registry, Central Nervous System