Myelination
Picturing the process:
Myelination can be compared to building a bridge. When building a bridge across a canyon, the first step is sending a rope over to the other side. This rope becomes the foundation for the rest of the bridge to be built on. The rope correlates to the first step in myelination; when we learn something new there is a “rope” sent from one neuron to other neurons to create a connection. This connection is what we build off of to make a stronger connection or bridge between two different neurons or sides of the canyon. As we strengthen that connection between the neurons, the knowledge becomes quicker to retrieve. Relating that thought to the bridge, as we put down boards and make them strong, it becomes easier to walk across the canyon. The more details you put into your bridge the stronger it will be. The same principle applies to myelination, when we continue to take in new information and apply it, the connection in the brain becomes stronger.
Minor Concept Summary: Myelination
ED 304: Ed Psych and Human Development
Author: Lahna McClaine & Grace Bagley
Validated By: Macey Mattson 2/1/2023, Emily Walton 2/14/23, Trista Hunt 2/24/23
Disclosure: ChatGPT was used in the creation of this resource
Summary:
- Myelination is the process by which the myelin sheath, a layer of fatty tissue, is formed around the axons of neurons in the nervous system. This is an important process because it helps to increase the speed at which nerve impulses, or action potentials, are conducted. Myelination begins during fetal development and continues into adulthood, with the greatest amount of myelination occurring during childhood and adolescence. Myelination is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is particularly important for the development of motor skills and coordination, as well as for the transmission of sensory information. Deficiencies in myelination can lead to a variety of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, leukodystrophies, and even types of dementia.
- Myelination primarily occurs in the brain and the spinal cord, which are both part of the central nervous system (CNS). Myelination also occurs in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which is made up of all the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord. The PNS is responsible for transmitting information between the CNS and the rest of the body, and myelination helps to improve the speed and efficiency of this communication.
Myelination in Education?
Social Environment
Myelination in youth and adolescents can be affected by their social environment. When a child is isolated, the development of myelin sheaths is interrupted. Childhood is a critical period for myelin development. As a teacher, you should be aware of the social environment in your classroom and school. Watch for signs of isolation. Encourage socialization amongst peers. Doing this can help prevent the negative effects of isolation on brain development.
Additional Reading: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5010953/
Quiz Questions:
1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the myelin sheath?
a) Insulating axons
b) Increasing the speed at which nerve impulses are conducted
c) Filtering sensory information
d) Controlling muscle movement
2. Which of the following statements about myelination is TRUE?
a) Myelination only occurs in the peripheral nervous system.
b) Myelination is completed by the time an individual reaches adulthood.
c) Myelination is not important for the development of motor skills and coordination.
d) Myelination is only relevant for the transmission of sensory information.
3. The myelin sheath is a layer of fatty tissue that insulates the axons of neurons and ________ the speed at which nerve impulses are conducted.
a) Decreases
b) Increases
c) Eliminates
d) Doesn't change
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