Question

The myelin sheath provides ________ to the axon
a. Mechanical support
b. Electrical insulation
c. Both A and B
d. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: One can say that a substance which is rich in lipids that is fats and surrounds the axons of the nerve cell (which are also called as the nervous system's "wires") to insulate them is called Myelin.

Complete answer:
It is said that the myelinated axon is likely to be likened to the axon (the electrical wire) along with insulating material (called myelin) around it. However, on the other hand, contrasting to the plastic covering present on an electrical wire, the myelin sheath does not form a solo long sheath over the whole span of the axon.

- The myelin sheath which presents on a neuron is said to consist of the cells which have fat in them. These cells are capable of insulating the form of electrical activity.
- Thus, we can say that the rate of transmission of signals increases due to the action of insulation.
- The myelin sheath present on a neuron is capable of increasing the rate at which the electrical impulses (which are also called action potentials) that are passed throughout the axon.
- The myelin has the capacity to serve the strength of the sheath. It is because the myelin is made up of interweaving hydrocarbon chains of sphingomyelin. It gives mechanical support to the axon.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The myelination (which is also called as myelinogenesis) is the name given to the process of generating myelin in the human body. The myelin is formed when the oligodendrocyte precursor cells in CNS differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes. It is said that in the third trimester only, the process of myelination begins in humans. At the time of birth, only a little amount of myelin is present in either the CNS or the PNS.