๐Ÿฆ microbiology review

key term - Demyelination

Definition

Demyelination is the process of losing the myelin sheath, a protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers. This can lead to various neurological impairments due to disrupted signal transmission.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Demyelination is commonly associated with autoimmune disorders like Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
  2. Loss of myelin impedes the efficient transmission of electrical signals along neurons.
  3. Demyelination can result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, coordination issues, and sensory disturbances.
  4. In the immune system context, demyelination often involves an inappropriate immune response attacking the myelin sheath.
  5. Diagnostic techniques for detecting demyelination include MRI scans and lumbar punctures to analyze cerebrospinal fluid.

Review Questions

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