Understanding Neurilemma: The Myelin Sheath and Its Role in Nerve Function

Neurilemma is a term used in neuroscience to describe the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers. Myelin is a fatty, insulating substance produced by specialized cells called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The myelin sheath plays a critical role in the functioning of the nervous system by facilitating the transmission of electrical impulses along nerve fibers.

Neurilemma is a term that refers to the entire myelin sheath, including the underlying basement membrane and the glial cells that produce and maintain it. The neurilemma provides mechanical support and insulation for the nerve fibers, allowing them to conduct electrical impulses efficiently and rapidly.

In summary, neurilemmatous refers to the presence of myelin in the nervous system, and neurilemma is the term used to describe the entire myelin sheath and its associated basement membrane and glial cells.