Myelination: what is it and how does it affect the nervous system?

Let's take a look at what this process of covering part of the neurons consists of.

Neurons are essential for the functioning of our brain, which means that they are fundamental for life itself. Thanks to them we can perform all the activities we intend to do, and that is why our body is responsible for protecting them properly.

In this article we will talk about the process known as myelination one of the most important aspects of the life of neurons. We will see what it consists of, what its characteristics are and the effect it has on neurons and the nervous system.

What is myelination?

The process of myelination consists of coating the axons (elongated cylinder-shaped parts of the neurons) with a substance called myelin or myelin sheathwhich is responsible for providing protection specifically to these parts of the neuron.

This coating process begins very early, as early as the second trimester of gestation, and lasts for our entire lives. It is important that it occurs properly so that that the nerve stimuli sent by our brain through the neurons circulate correctly. circulate correctly.

The myelin sheath is a substance that performs insulating functions in the axon. insulating functions in the neuronal axon.. This element is of organic origin and its state is of fatty properties (lipid).

The axons where there is no myelin sheath (amyelinic) have a lower conduction capacity on the electrical phenomena sent by the brain throughout the central nervous system.

Characteristics of this process of the nervous system

The covering of neuronal extensions is essentially a natural protective mechanism that our nervous system has to preserve and facilitate the electrical impulses that travel through neurons, which are responsible for mental processes in all their categories.

Neurons are not only in charge of the higher mental functions, but also of all the reactions that our nervous system has.They are also responsible for all the reactions that we human beings have to any stimulus, whether internal or external.

In addition, it is also an indispensable process for learning, especially in the initial phases where neurons interconnect with each other to create what is known as neuronal batteries.

Contrary to what many believe, the number of neurons we have is not what most influences our learning, but the way in which they are connected to each other. If we have neurons that are not able to establish a good synapse between them, then it will be very difficult for knowledge to solidify.

But if on the contrary, the synapse is good, all the information that we obtain from the environment around us will be internalized in the best possible way by our higher mental processes. This happens to a large extent thanks to myelination.

Its effects

As mentioned above, the myelin sheath serves to ensure that the nerve impulses are conducted with the proper speed, and also prevents the risk of them stopping in the axons before reaching their destination..

In the event that the axons are not adequately covered by myelin through the myelination process, either because the process did not occur or because the substance has deteriorated, then a malfunction of the central nervous system may occur.depending on the area where the amyelinic neuronal axon is located.

It may happen that peripheral sensitivity is lost or that a process of central sensitization occurs, which consists of a disproportionate functioning of the sensations we receive, especially in the Pain threshold, which is greatly diminished (while other sensations, which generally should not represent any painful stimulus for the organism, cause a fictitious sensation of pain), among other alterations of perception, where synesthesia and agnosia are found.

Tips to preserve our neurons

Nutrition is key for neurons, and for the coating process to occur and be properly maintained in the axons of neurons, during the early stages of development in children we must ensure that they receive a proper nutrition.

Learning new things generates neuronal batteries that become stronger and stronger if we keep practicing what we have learned, this is a good way to preserve and keep our brain neurons functional.

Finally, there is sleep. It is important to have good sleep habits so that our brain gets a restful rest and thus neurons have a longer and more efficient life.

Bibliographic references:

• Arroyo, E.J. et al. (2000). On the molecular architecture of myelinated fibers. Histochemistry and cell biology. 113(1):1-18.
• Raine CS (1999). "Characteristics of Neuroglia". In Siegel GJ, Agranoff BW, Albers RW, Fisher SK, Uhler MD. Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven.