Letter M

Myelin

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The fatty substance that covers and protects nerves.

Myelin is a layered tissue that sheathes the axons (nerve fibers).

This sheath around the axon acts like a conduit in an electrical system, ensuring that messages sent by axons are not lost en route.

It allows efficient conduction of action potentials down the axon.

Myelin consists of 70% lipids (cholesterol and phospholipid) and 30% proteins.

It is produced by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.

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