myelin sheath

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. a wrapping of myelin around certain nerve axons, serving as an electrical insulator that speeds nerve impulses to muscles and other effectors.

---

Etymology

Origin of myelin sheath

First recorded in 1895–1900

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

myelin sheath

MS is a disease of the brain and central nervous system, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the fatty myelin sheath that normally protects the nerves, like insulation around electric wires.

From BBC ● May 29, 2026

To test this idea, Zhang and his team examined whether the mutation could protect the myelin sheath.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 15, 2026

These metabolites support the growth and maturation of oligodendrocytes, which in turn helps rebuild the myelin sheath.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 15, 2026

Oligodendrocytes, the cells that produce myelin to insulate nerve fibers, expressed fewer genes required for maintaining and regenerating the myelin sheath.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 24, 2025

Although existing treatments can help reduce inflammation, there are still no approved therapies that protect neurons or rebuild the damaged myelin sheath.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2025

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---