ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Myelinogenesis

Your brain is like a big computer that helps you think, feel, and move your body. To make sure it works properly, special cells in your brain called "neurons" send messages to each other. These messages travel along pathways called "axons" that are like roads that connect different parts of your brain.


Now, imagine that the messages your neurons send are like cars driving on these roads. If the roads are bumpy or full of potholes, the cars won't be able to drive smoothly and might even crash. That's where myelin comes in!

Myelin is like the smooth pavement that covers the roads. It's made by special cells called oligodendrocytes that wrap themselves around the axons like a cozy blanket. This makes the messages from the neurons travel much faster and more efficiently.

When you're a baby, your brain is still developing, and that means your myelin is still growing too. This process is called myelinogenesis. It starts in the womb and continues until you're in your early 20s.

During myelinogenesis, your oligodendrocytes make more and more myelin, gradually covering more areas of your brain. This helps your brain work better and faster as you get older.

So, to sum it up, myelinogenesis is the process of creating myelin in your brain to make sure the messages from your neurons can travel smoothly and efficiently like cars on a smooth road.