Chapter 17: Problem 4

Multiple sclerosis causes demyelination of axons in the brain and spinal cord. Why is this problematic?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Demyelination of axons in the brain and spinal cord caused by multiple sclerosis is problematic because it impairs the normal functioning of the nervous system. The damaged myelin sheath disrupts the transmission of electrical signals between nerve cells, leading to various symptoms such as difficulty in movement, muscle weakness, impaired coordination, sensory disturbances, visual impairment, cognitive problems, and fatigue. This damage greatly impacts an individual's quality of life and ability to perform everyday tasks.

Step by step solution

Understand the role of myelin

Myelin is a fatty substance that wraps around the axons of nerve cells in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This sheath plays a critical role in speeding up the transmission of electrical signals (also known as nerve impulses) between nerve cells, enabling proper communication. Myelin also insulates the axon and prevents the signal from dissipating or getting disrupted.

Know what happens in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath covering the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to demyelination, or the loss of the protective myelin sheath, which results in scar tissue (sclerosis) at the affected sites.

Learn the consequences of demyelination

The demyelination of axons disrupts the normal functioning of the nerve fibers and impairs the transmission of electrical signals between nerve cells. The damaged myelin sheaths slow down or block the nerve impulses, causing various symptoms depending on the location and severity of the affected regions.

Identify the problems caused by demyelination

The impaired signal transmission due to demyelination affects the normal functioning of the central nervous system, leading to a wide range of symptoms. These may include difficulty in movement, muscle weakness, impaired coordination, sensory disturbances, visual impairment, cognitive problems, and fatigue.

In summary

Demyelination of axons in the brain and spinal cord due to multiple sclerosis is problematic because it disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system. The damaged myelin sheath impairs the transmission of electrical signals between nerve cells and can lead to various symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the affected regions. This ultimately affects the individual's quality of life and ability to perform everyday tasks.

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Multiple sclerosis causes demyelination of axons in the brain and spinal cord. Why is this problematic?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the role of myelin

Know what happens in multiple sclerosis

Learn the consequences of demyelination

Identify the problems caused by demyelination

In summary

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