Origin and Development of Myelin in the Central Nervous System - A Review of the Literature

  • Priscilla Balestrin Mendes Universidade Estadual de Maringá
  • Silvana Regina de Melo Universidade Estadual de Maringá
Keywords: Axons, Myelin Sheath, Oligodendroglia, Neuronal Plasticity.

Abstract

Myelin, a structure formed by a lipid membrane rich in cholesterol and glycophospholipids, envelops the axons and facilitates the rapid communication between neurons. Oligodendrocytes, which synthesize and maintain the myelin sheath, are highly specialized, albeit vulnerable, cells of the central nervous system (CNS). The white matter’s myelinated tracts in the CNS have the important role of promoting the transmission of neural signals among different cortical and subcortical areas. Although experiments have shown that plasticity is extant in the nervous system, especially with regard to neurons and their dendrites, axons and synapses, doubts remained whether the formation of the myelin sheath is dependent on genetic factors or whether external experiences change this structure. Current exploratory research identified theories on the development of myelin and shows that their development depends on internal (genetic) and external factors, such as environmental stimulation and nutrition.

Author Biographies

Priscilla Balestrin Mendes, Universidade Estadual de Maringá
Discente do Curso de Especialização em Anatomia e Histologia: Métodos de Ensino e Pesquisa do Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas da Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM. E-mail: pricabm@gmail.com
Silvana Regina de Melo, Universidade Estadual de Maringá
Docente Doutora do Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas da Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM. E-mail: srmelo@uem.br
Published
2011-02-03
Section
Artigos de Revisão