myelin etymology

Etymology

The term "myelin" is derived from the Greek word "myelos," which means "marrow."

Meaning

Myelin is a type of fatty tissue that insulates the axons of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It enables faster transmission of electrical impulses along the axons, similar to the way insulation improves electrical conductivity in wires.

Origin

The earliest known reference to myelin appears in the writings of the Greek physician Galen (2nd century AD), who described it as a "white substance" surrounding the nerves. The term "myelin" was first used in a scientific context in 1854 by the German anatomist Rudolf Virchow.

Additional Information

• Myelin is produced by specialized cells called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.
• Myelin is essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, and damage to myelin can lead to serious neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
• Myelination, the process of myelin formation, is a gradual process that begins in the fetus and continues into adulthood.

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