What is the name of the insulating sheath that helps transmit neural impulses?

The insulating sheath that helps transmit neural impulses is called myelin. Myelin is a fatty substance that wraps around the axons of neurons, creating a myelin sheath. This sheath is essential because it acts as an insulator, allowing electrical impulses to transmit more quickly and efficiently along the axon. The presence of myelin facilitates rapid communication between neurons, which is critical for the functioning of the nervous system.

When myelin is present, it ensures that the electrical signals skip over sections of the axon in a process called saltatory conduction, significantly speeding up impulse transmission. Without adequate myelin, neuronal communication can become slow or even impaired, leading to neurological issues.

In contrast, axons are the long projections of neurons that carry impulses away from the cell body, while dendrites are the parts of neurons that receive signals from other neurons. The synapse is the junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released, allowing communication between the nerve cells. While all these components are vital for neuron function, myelin specifically provides the necessary insulation to enhance the speed and efficiency of neural impulse transmission.