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Multiple sclerosis causes demyelination of axons in the brain and spinal cord. Why is this problematic?

a) It speeds up neural transmission.
b) It improves cognitive functions.
c) It slows down neural transmission.
d) It has no effect on neural transmission.

User Gerbit
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Final answer:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) leads to demyelination of axons, disrupting electrical signal transmission and causing slower neural communication, which results in various neurological symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nervous system that specifically targets the myelin sheath covering neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin is essential for efficient neural transmission because it insulates axons, the long fibers that neurons use to send electrical signals. When the myelin sheath is damaged or destroyed through demyelination in MS, it disrupts the speed and reliability of these signals. As a result, individuals with MS can experience a wide range of neurological symptoms, including physical, cognitive, and psychiatric deficits. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is c) It slows down neural transmission.

User Fernando Almeida
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