Understanding Axolemma: The Myelinated Axons of Neurons

Axolemma (from Greek "axon" meaning "axis" and "lemma" meaning "thin membrane") is a term used in neuroscience to describe the myelinated axons of neurons. Myelin is a fatty insulating substance that surrounds the axon, facilitating the transmission of electrical signals along the length of the axon.

Axolemma is composed of several layers of specialized cells, including oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). These cells are responsible for producing and maintaining the myelin sheath that surrounds the axon.

The axolemma plays a critical role in the functioning of the nervous system, as it allows for the rapid transmission of electrical signals along the length of the axon. Damage to the axolemma can result in a range of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.