What is the function of myelin in neurons?

Myelin plays a critical role in the functioning of neurons, primarily by insulating axons, which significantly enhances the speed of nerve impulse conduction. Myelin is a fatty substance that wraps around the axons of certain neurons, forming what is known as the myelin sheath. This sheath not only protects the axon but also prevents the loss of electrical signals during the transmission of impulses.

The presence of myelin allows action potentials, or electrical impulses, to jump from one node of Ranvier (gaps in the myelin sheath along the axon) to another, in a process called saltatory conduction. This mode of transmission is much faster than continuous conduction in unmeylinated axons, allowing for quicker communication between nerve cells and facilitating rapid responses in the nervous system.

Through this mechanism, myelin is essential for efficient and effective neural communication, which is vital for the proper functioning of the nervous system.