Myelin membrane

The **myelin membrane** is a modified, multilamellar extension of the plasma membrane from specialized glial cells (oligodendrocytes in the CNS, Schwann cells in the PNS) that wraps concentrically around axons to form the *myelin sheath*. This membrane is rich in lipids (70–85% of dry mass) and contains specialized proteins such as myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP)[1][4][10]. Its primary function is to electrically insulate axons and enable rapid, saltatory conduction of nerve impulses, crucial for coordinated nervous system activity and metabolic support to neurons[1][3][5][9]. Disruption or loss of myelin membranes underlies many neurological diseases, particularly demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis[2][5]. The "myelin membrane" is not a canonical molecular target for drugs; rather, research and therapies focus on the molecular components of its structure and the cells that produce it.

Other names

Myelin sheathMyelinated membraneMyelinated axon covering