myelin

English

Neuron, with myelin sheath labeled as e

Etymology

myelo- + -in. From Ancient Greek μυελός (muelós, marrow).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈmaɪəlɪn/

Noun

myelin (countable and uncountable, plural myelins)

  1. (neuroanatomy) A white, fatty material, composed of lipids and lipoproteins, that surrounds the axons of nerves.
    • 1868 January, Edmund Montgomery, “On the Formation of so-called Cells in Animal Bodies”, in The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, page 203:
      As the result of prolonged action of water upon myelin, bird's-nests-cells are also said to be produced, and we are certain we have seen, as the result of such prolonged action of water, the appearances thus compared.
    • 2018 December 13, Carl Zimmer, “Narrower Skulls, Oblong Brains: How Neanderthal DNA Still Shapes Us”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
      This gene controls the production of an insulating sleeve that wraps around neurons. Known as myelin, it is crucial for long-range communication in the brain.

Derived terms

Translations

Further reading

Anagrams

Czech

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): [ˈmɪjɛlɪn]
  • IPA(key): [ˈmɪjɛliːn]

Noun

myelin m inan (related adjective myelinový)

  1. myelin

Declension

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