The neurodegenerative condition Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by the degradation of myelin wrapping in neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Patients with MS can experience vision loss, muscle weakness, and emotional changes. Which of the following could explain these changes in MS patients?

• A. Loss of myelin prevents efficient neural communication.
• B. Loss of myelin prevents the release of chemical messengers between neurons by blocking vesicles.
• C. Loss of myelin prevents the movement of important cell-sustaining proteins from the soma.
• D. Loss of myelin causes near-instant neuronal death.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of myelin: Myelin is a fatty substance that wraps around the axons of neurons, facilitating the rapid transmission of electrical signals along the nerve cells.
2. Consider the impact of myelin degradation: In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the degradation of myelin disrupts the efficient transmission of these electrical signals, leading to impaired neural communication.
3. Analyze the symptoms: The symptoms of MS, such as vision loss, muscle weakness, and emotional changes, can be linked to the impaired communication between neurons due to the loss of myelin.
4. Evaluate the options: The correct explanation for the changes in MS patients is that the loss of myelin prevents efficient neural communication, which aligns with the role of myelin in signal transmission.
5. Conclude with the correct explanation: The degradation of myelin in MS patients leads to inefficient neural communication, which can explain the various symptoms experienced by these patients.