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The myelin sheath that coats some axons is formed by glial cells and functions to:
AStore the neurotransmitters until they are released
BConvert the electrical signal into a chemical one
CInsulate the axon and speed up signal transmission
DDetach the neuron from its neighbouring cells nearby
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Insulate the axon and speed up signal transmission
1. In some axons, glial cells form a fatty substance known as the myelin sheath.
2. The sheath coats the axon and acts as an insulator.
3. Its effect is to increase the speed at which the signal travels down the axon.
4. Storage of neurotransmitters is the job of the synaptic vesicles inside the terminal buttons, not of the myelin.
_Source: OpenStax Psychology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 3 "Biopsychology", §3.2 Cells of the Nervous System_
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