What is the role of the neurilemma?

The neurilemma, also known as the myelin sheath in a more complete sense, plays a significant role in the regeneration of damaged axons. It is a layer of cells that surrounds the axons of certain types of neurons in the peripheral nervous system. The presence of the neurilemma is crucial because it contains Schwann cells, which are vital for the healing process. When an axon gets damaged, the neurilemma can help guide the regrowth of the axon by providing a protective environment and signaling for the repair processes to initiate. The Schwann cells proliferate and form a column-like structure that facilitates the regrowth of the axon toward its target, thereby enhancing the potential for functional recovery after injury.

In contrast, while insulation of axons for faster transmission and conducting electrical impulses are critical functions of the myelin sheath itself, these tasks are primarily managed by the myelin rather than the neurilemma. The transmission of signals between neurons is the role of synapses and neurotransmitters, not the neurilemma. Thus, the key function of the neurilemma as it relates to regeneration makes it a unique and essential component in the nervous system.