What Role do Myelin Sheaths Play in Nerve Impulses?
Myelin sheaths are insulating layers of lipid-rich material that wrap around the axons of certain neurons. They are produced by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system. Myelin sheaths increase the speed of nerve impulse conduction by allowing the impulse to "jump" between gaps in the sheath called nodes of Ranvier. This process, known as saltatory conduction, significantly enhances the efficiency of neural communication.
