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Myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.Therefore, the first stage of myelinogenesis is often defined as the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) or Schwann cell progenitors into their mature counterparts, [4] followed by myelin formation around axons.
The process of generating myelin is called myelination or myelinogenesis. In the CNS, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes, which form myelin. In humans, myelination begins early in the 3rd trimester, [ 11 ] although only little myelin is present in either the CNS or the PNS at the time of birth.
However, action potentials may end prematurely in certain places where the safety factor is low, even in unmyelinated neurons; a common example is the branch point of an axon, where it divides into two axons. [56] Some diseases degrade myelin and impair saltatory conduction, reducing the conduction velocity of action potentials.
The maturation of myelination in intracortical layers coincides with critical period closure in mice, which has led to further research on the role of myelination on critical period duration. [ 37 ] Myelin is known to bind many different axonal growth inhibitors that prevent plasticity seen in critical periods. [ 38 ]
Using structural MRI, quantitative assessment of a number of developmental processes can be carried out including defining growth patterns, [9] and characterizing the sequence of myelination. [10] These data complement evidence from Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) studies that have been widely used to investigate the development of white matter.
The myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerve cells is made by cells called oligodendrocytes. In a person with MS, these cells are lost, so damaged myelin sheaths cannot be repaired.
Myelination is only prevalent in a few brain regions at birth and continues into adulthood. The entire process is not complete until about 25–30 years of age. [24] Myelination is an important component of intelligence, and white matter quantity may be positively correlated with IQ test results in children. [24]
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