Psychology / Unit 2 Psych 0147 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Myelin Sheath
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The idea
The myelin sheath is a fatty coating on the axon that speeds signal transmission and insulates it from neighboring axons.
In practice
A myelinated axon carries a signal to the foot in milliseconds, far faster than an unmyelinated axon of the same width.
Where people slip
Myelin is not the signal's carrier. It is insulation, and its loss slows a signal that is otherwise intact.
Your place on the trail
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