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Glite Dictionary
medullary sheath

medullary sheath

8.9
A thin fatty layer that covers nerve fibers and helps signals travel faster
  • noun
  • /ˈmɛdʌləri ʃiːθ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vaina medular
  • Damage to the medullary sheath can result in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis.

Examples

  • The medullary sheath plays a crucial role in speeding up nerve impulse conduction.

  • During development, the medullary sheath gradually forms around the axons in the central nervous system.

  • The medullary sheath protects nerve fibers.

  • In some neurons, the medullary sheath is crucial for speed.

  • Damage to the medullary sheath can result in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis.

  • During development, the medullary sheath gradually forms around the axons in the central nervous system.

  • The medullary sheath plays a crucial role in speeding up nerve impulse conduction.

Synonyms

myelin
vsmedullary sheath
  • Specialized
7 8.6

A white fatty layer around nerve fibers that helps signals travel quickly

is the structured layer made from that substance rather than the substance itself
myelin sheath
vsmedullary sheath
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A fatty layer around nerve fibers that helps signals travel fast

is a technical name for the same insulating layer around axons
neurolemma
vsmedullary sheath
  • Specialized
9.9

A thin membrane that surrounds a nerve fiber and helps it heal

is a fatty insulating layer rather than a thin membranous outer layer
neurilemma
vsmedullary sheath
  • Specialized
9.9

A thin outer covering around nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that helps them heal

is an inner fatty insulating layer not the outer membranous covering

Surface Forms

medullary sheath singular
medullary sheaths plural

Morphology

medullary + sheath

The phrase is compositional: 'medullary' means relating to medulla/marrow or central tissue and 'sheath' means a covering, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer a covering associated with medullary tissue. This is a literal, technical noun phrase rather than an idiom or metaphorical usage, so its meaning is transparently derivable from the parts.

Etymology

The term medullary sheath gives the image of a thin sheath, or sleeve, wrapped around the nerve's inner part, the medullary area. That sleeve 'protects' the nerve and helps signals 'speed up', so the name explains its job.