Why do we have myelin sheaths around nerves?
We are born without myelin sheaths.
As we learn to crawl, talk and walk, myelin is laid down.
This is how the nerves remember and coordinate difficult tasks such as:
- language
- balance
- coordination of groups of muscles
- chewing
- speech
Complex nerve functions use myelin to cross talk.
- Myelin creates teams of nerves.
- Non-myelinated nerves work alone.
Myelinated nerves move signals faster:
- eye sight
- hearing
- balance
- walking
- talking
Non-myelinated nerves move signals slower:
- smell
- digestion
- light touch
- arousal
All nerves have an outer <neurolemmal> sheath.
- allows nerve regeneration
- around myelinated nerves
- around non-myelinated nerves
Babies who are allowed to move around on their own learn language better.
Crawling is an integral part of learning how to walk with balance.