myelin

Myelin is a protective, fatty layer that surrounds the nerve fibers (axons) in your nervous system. Acting like insulation on electrical wires, it helps electrical signals travel faster and more efficiently between the brain, spinal cord, and body. This rapid communication is essential for coordinating movements, sensations, and cognitive functions. Without myelin, nerve signals slow down or become disrupted, which can lead to neurological issues. Myelin is produced by specialized cells called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.