Page 188 - Biomimetics: Technology Imitates Nature

Biomimetics: Technology Imitates Nature

If Nerve Cells Lacked Insulation

Nerve fibers carry messages from the brain to the muscles and other
organs, and from there, messages back to the brain. The fibers are coated
with a special, fatty substance known as myelin that works just like the
plastic insulation around an electric cable. Were it not present, then the
electrical signals would leak away into the surrounding tissues, either
garbling the message or damaging the body. 132

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