Question: how does myelin sheath help the nervous system

title: Myelin
text: The main purpose of a myelin sheath is to increase the speed at which impulses propagate along the myelinated fiber . Along unmyelinated fibers , impulses continuously move as waves , but , in myelinated fibers , they `` hop '' or propagate by saltatory conduction . Myelin decreases capacitance and increases electrical resistance across the cell membrane ( the axolemma ) . Thus , myelination prevents the electric current from leaving the axon . It has been suggested that myelin permits larger body size by maintaining agile communication between distant body parts . 

Answer: answer: The main purpose of a myelin sheath is to increase the speed at which impulses propagate along the myelinated fiber. Myelin decreases capacitance and increases electrical resistance across the cell membrane (the axolemma). Thus , myelination prevents the electric current from leaving the axon, and it permits larger body size by maintaining agile communication between distant body parts.