myelination
Axon wrapping process
Myelination is the process by which nerve fibers become coated with myelin, a fatty substance that insulates neurons and speeds electrical signal transmission.
The process begins before birth and continues into early adulthood, with different brain regions myelinating at different times.
The prefrontal cortex completes myelination last, which may explain adolescent impulsivity.
Pale neural fiber tissue
- saltatory conductionImpulse jumping between myelin gaps
- nodes of RanvierGaps in nerve insulation
- neuroprotectionSafeguarding neurons from damage
- electrical insulationMaterial blocking current escape
Brain formation through life stages
- infant brainNewborn's cerebral organ
- critical periodsOptimal developmental timeframes
- prefrontal cortexBrain's planning and impulse center
- adolescenceTeenage developmental stage
cognitive development · developmental milestones · language acquisition · childhood · brain plasticity · executive function · attention span
Autoimmune demyelinating neurological disease
- Charcot-Marie-ToothInherited motor-sensory neuropathy
- transverse myelitisSpinal cord inflammation across width
- lesionsAreas of damaged tissue
- nerve damageInjured neural tissue
white matter
Pale neural fiber tissue
- saltatory conductionImpulse jumping between myelin gaps
- nodes of RanvierGaps in nerve insulation
- neuroprotectionSafeguarding neurons from damage
neurodevelopment
Brain formation through life stages
- infant brainNewborn's cerebral organ
- critical periodsOptimal developmental timeframes
- prefrontal cortexBrain's planning and impulse center
adolescence · cognitive development · developmental milestones · language acquisition · childhood · brain plasticity · executive function · attention span
multiple sclerosis
Autoimmune demyelinating neurological disease
- Charcot-Marie-ToothInherited motor-sensory neuropathy
- transverse myelitisSpinal cord inflammation across width
- lesionsAreas of damaged tissue
nerve damage · autoimmune · neurodegeneration · relapse · inflammation
cholesterol
Waxy lipid in blood
- astrocytesStar-shaped brain support cells