myelin

A dielectric (electrically insulating) material consisting of protein and fat that forms a layer, the myelin sheath, usually around only the axon of a neuron. Myelin is about 40 % water; the dry mass of myelin is about 70 - 85 % lipids and about 15 - 30 % proteins. Some of the proteins that make up myelin are myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), and proteolipid protein (PLP). The primary lipid of myelin is a glycolipid called galactocerebroside (GalC). The intertwining hydrocarbon chains of sphingomyelin serve to strengthen the myelin sheath.

Type Organ
Body System Nervous
Parent Structure anatomical structure
FMA ID 62977

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the myelin?
A dielectric (electrically insulating) material consisting of protein and fat that forms a layer, the myelin sheath, usually around only the axon of a neuron. Myelin is about 40 % water; the dry mass of myelin is about 70 - 85 % lipids and about 15 - 30 % proteins. Some of the proteins that make up
What body system is the myelin part of?
The myelin is part of the Nervous.

Related Structures

accessory nucleus of optic tract nuclei accessorii tractus optici accessory pretectal nucleus APN aggregate regional part of brain set of nuclei of neuraxis alar plate midbrain amiculum of dentate nucleus amiculum nuclei dentati amiculum of inferior olive ami ampulla caudalis ansa peduncularis ansa peduncularis in thalamo

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