The fatty membrane is called myelin, and it acts as an insulator, allowing electrical signals to travel much faster and more efficiently down the axon of the neuron.
Here's a breakdown:
* Myelin: A fatty substance that forms a sheath around the axons of some neurons.
* Myelinated neurons: Neurons that have a myelin sheath.
* Unmyelinated neurons: Neurons that lack a myelin sheath.
Myelination is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It enables rapid communication between different parts of the brain and body, which is essential for functions like movement, thought, and sensation.
