myelinization

=1375985528= toc = Definition: = A process in neuronal development in which sheaths made of a substance called myelin gradually cover individual axons and electrically insulate them from one another to improve the conductivity of the nerve. p. 88 HGD Chapter 4, pp. 88, 96 HGD Chapter 7, p. 157 HGD Chapter 9, p. 218

= Examples: = Nerves serving muscle cells in the neck and shoulders are myelinized earlier than those serving the abdomen. As a result, babies can control their head movements before they can roll over. Myelinization is most rapid during the first 2 years after birth, but it continues at a slower pace throughout childhood and adolescence. For example, the parts of the brain that are involved in vision reach maturity by the second birthday.media type="custom" key="23483418"

= Analogies: = An analogy of this would be like a wire that has current running through it and has insulation surrounding it. The myelin acts as the insulator, keeping the current from "leaking" out, so the more energy does not have to be put in to keep a steady, accurate transfer of information flowing.

= Mnemonics: = [insert mnemonics here] (give a mnemonic in place of the bracketed text above, then delete these instructions. Please do not delete instructions unless you are adding something to this section. If you don't know of any mnemonics, leave this section unchanged for someone else to improve on. See Sample Page for a definition and an example of a mnemonic.)

=In the News:= [|Transplanted Neural Stem Cells Produced Myelin, UCSF Study Shows] A Phase 1 clinical trial showed that neural stem cells successfully engrafted into the brains of patients and appear to have produced myelin. The study also demonstrated that the neural stem cells were safe in the patents' brains one year post transplant.



[|Multiple Sclerosis (a disorder of myelin)] A brief description of Multiple Sclerosis. A disease that is caused by damage to the myelin sheath. From the Mayo Clinic.

=Discussion Area:= Start a discussion by clicking at the top of the page. Click on a subject below to see what people are saying and join a discussion. This is the area for in-depth discussion of: include component="comments" page="myelinization" limit="10"
 * location of a page elements
 * quality/appropriateness of videos or pictures
 * improving analogies and mnemonics.