Axon histology - what do we know about the myelin sheath?

We continue to review a StatPearls Publishing article on axon histology. This time we'll cover the topic on myelin- an insulating layer, that is formed by the concentric wraps of the plasma membrane around the axon. This plasma layer is called neuroglia and include Schwann cells (neurolemmocytes) and oligodendrocytes. The membrane of Schwann cells forms a double membrane structure around the axon- mesaxon. In general, myelin is composed of of lipids (80%) and proteins (20%), but location and purpose plays an important role that effects myelin composition. The main function of this complex layer is electrical insulator, that allows to gain a certain conduction speed in the axon. The electrical transmission is achieved by saltatory conduction. An original article covers a detailed review.