Myelin is a fatty substance that forms a protective sheath around the axons of neurons in the nervous system. This sheath helps to insulate the axons, allowing electrical signals to transmit more quickly and efficiently between nerve cells. Myelin is crucial for proper nervous system function and plays a key role in the speed of communication within the brain and throughout the body. The process of myelination occurs during development and continues into early adulthood. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis can damage myelin, leading to impaired nerve function and various neurological symptoms. Maintaining healthy myelin is essential for overall brain health and effective communication within the nervous system.