Myelination and Remyelination in Nerve Injury

Myelination is the process where specialized cells called oligodendrocytes (in the central nervous system) or Schwann cells (in the peripheral nervous system) wrap around nerve fibers to form a protective, insulating layer called myelin. This layer helps nerve signals travel quickly and efficiently. When a nerve is injured, the myelin sheaths can be damaged or lost. Remyelination is the body's repair process, where new myelin is produced to restore nerve function. Effective remyelination is crucial for healing nerve injuries and regaining normal communication between the brain, spinal cord, and body.