medullary sheath: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “medullary sheath” mean?
The insulating layer surrounding the axon of a nerve cell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The insulating layer surrounding the axon of a nerve cell.
A fatty, white protective covering (myelin) that encases nerve fibres to facilitate rapid electrical impulse transmission.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no additional cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. 'Myelin sheath' is more common in contemporary academic and medical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “medullary sheath” in a Sentence
The medullary sheath surrounds the axon.Damage to the medullary sheath impairs signalling.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “medullary sheath” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb forms]
American English
- [No standard verb forms]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb forms]
American English
- [No standard adverb forms]
adjective
British English
- The medullary-sheath integrity is crucial.
- medullary-sheath degradation
American English
- Medullary-sheath formation occurs early.
- a medullary-sheath disorder
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in neuroscience and biology textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Used in medical, histological, and neurological discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “medullary sheath”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “medullary sheath”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “medullary sheath”
- Misspelling as 'medulary' or 'medullery'.
- Confusing it with 'medulla oblongata' (a brain part).
- Using it in non-technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes. 'Medullary sheath' is an older term based on histology, while 'myelin sheath' is the more common contemporary term referencing the substance (myelin) itself.
Almost exclusively in advanced biology, neuroscience, neurology, or medical textbooks, research papers, and clinical discussions.
Damage (demyelination) disrupts the fast, saltatory conduction of nerve impulses, leading to neurological symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, and vision problems, as seen in conditions like multiple sclerosis.
No. It is a highly specialised scientific term. For general communication, even at an advanced level, it is not required.
The insulating layer surrounding the axon of a nerve cell.
Medullary sheath is usually technical/scientific in register.
Medullary sheath: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈdʌləri ʃiːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛdəˌleri ʃiθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the MEDULLA (core/insides) of a nerve fibre getting a SHEATH (covering), like a sword's core getting a scabbard.
Conceptual Metaphor
INSULATION: The sheath is conceptualised as electrical insulation around a wire.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the medullary sheath?