Myelination
Myelin is a fatty, electrically insulating material, that forms a layer (the myelin sheath) around the axon of a neuron. This insulation allows messages to be sent quickly and ensures messages do no interfere with other messages.
The process of myelination begins in the developing foetus (at approximately 14 weeks). Myelination continues through childhood and adolescence into early adulthood. The last area to eliminate is the frontal lobes.
Myelin coats both central and peripheral nerve axons. Peripherally, the myelin is provided by the Schwann cells, and centrally it is provided by oligodendrocytes.
Myelinated axons are white in appearance, hence the 'white matter' of the brain.
The progression of myelination is predictable and abides by a few simple general rules. Myelination progresses from:
The process of myelination begins in the developing foetus (at approximately 14 weeks). Myelination continues through childhood and adolescence into early adulthood. The last area to eliminate is the frontal lobes.
Myelin coats both central and peripheral nerve axons. Peripherally, the myelin is provided by the Schwann cells, and centrally it is provided by oligodendrocytes.
Myelinated axons are white in appearance, hence the 'white matter' of the brain.
The progression of myelination is predictable and abides by a few simple general rules. Myelination progresses from:
- central to peripheral
- caudal to rostral
- dorsal to ventral
- sensory then motor
