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What does the prefix myelo indicate in medical terminology?

User Orazz
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Final answer:

In medical terminology, the prefix 'myelo' refers to bone marrow or the spinal cord and is associated with the myelin sheath, which is crucial for the conduction of nerve impulses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The prefix myelo in medical terminology indicates structures related to the bone marrow or the spinal cord, reflecting the role of myelin in nervous system functions. In contexts such as myelencephalon, it pertains to the medulla, a part of the brain that continues into the spinal cord and is associated with significant white matter and processing of cranial nerve information. Moreover, myelin sheath is a protective covering around nerve fibers in the central and peripheral nervous systems, essential for proper electrical signal conduction. Diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) are characterized by an attack on the myelin, leading to symptoms affecting muscle control and other autonomic functions.

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