Describe The Function Of Myelin

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Briefly describe the function of myelin and discuss the neuropsychological impact of one disorder which causes demyelination. The human nervous system (NS), encompasses the brain, spinal cord and the peripheral nerves (PNS), is arguably the most diverse of machines due to the structure and complexity of its organisational functions. Fundamental aspects of the NS are the connections between the structures, functions and the flow of information where cells are organised as networks and circuits to process information (Thibodeau & Patton, 2005). The brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS) (Thibodeau & Patton, 2005), where axons, nerves and neurons serves essential purposes. Oligodendrocyte produces a white substance call myelin that insulates the axons (Gross, 2009); destruction to the myelin consequently produces diseases called myelin disorders which results in demyelination (Thibodeau & Patton, 2005). Initially, this essay will be addressing the question on myelin and the aetiology of demyelination, followed by various neuropathological research carried out to determine the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the brain and its relationship to cognition and depression. Myelin serves a fundamental purpose in the CNS due to the nature and mechanism of its necessary function. It is characterised as a white substance made of lipid fat and proteins, produced by the oligodendrocytes, a glia cell (Thibodeau & Patton, 2005). Its primary functions are producing, maintaining and repairing neurons along the long extension of the axons (Rodriquez, 2003). Moreover, it separates axons in the white matter of the brain by stopping nerves signals from short-circuiting. Furthermore, around most axons, the myelin furnishes a coating of electrical insulation that aids in preventing the shortage or loss of electrical signal from an action

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