AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Myelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty substances. This myelin sheath allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -Glial cells are the key element for supporting the messages neurons send and receive all over the body. Much like the insulation around the wires in electrical systems, glial cells form a membraneous sheath surrounding axons called myelin, thereby insulating the axon.

Detailed explanation-3: -Myelin is formed in the central nervous system (CNS; brain, spinal cord and optic nerve) by glial cells called oligodendrocytes and in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) by glial cells called Schwann cells.

Detailed explanation-4: -Myelin speeds up impulses The myelin sheath contains periodic breaks called nodes of Ranvier. By jumping from node to node, the impulse can travel much more quickly than if it had to travel along the entire length of the nerve fibre.

Detailed explanation-5: -The myelinated neurons conduct impulses faster than the unmyelinated neurons as they have the ‘Nodes of Ranvier’.