PsychologyJuly 15, 2026
myelination
/ˌmaɪə.lɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
Definition
The biological process by which specialized brain cells create and maintain the fatty, insulating sheath that wraps around nerve fibers.
Etymology
The term derives from the Greek 'myelos' meaning 'marrow,' combined with the Latin-derived suffix '-ation' indicating a process. It entered scientific vocabulary to describe the specific insulation of nerve fibers discovered in biological tissue.
In the news
In this article, researchers found that opioid withdrawal suppresses genes responsible for myelination in the prefrontal cortex, which may impair decision-making and self-control. This suggests that damage to this process is a potential factor in addiction and recovery.
Study uncovers another way that opioid use, withdrawal affect the brain
Read the full article ↗ASU News