What term describes the loss of the myelin sheath of a nerve?

The term that accurately describes the loss of the myelin sheath of a nerve is demyelination. Myelin is a protective covering that insulates nerve fibers, and its absence disrupts the normal conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve. When demyelination occurs, it can lead to neurological symptoms and impairments, as seen in conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

This process can result from various causes, including autoimmune disorders, genetic factors, or environmental influences, impacting the nervous system's functionality. Understanding demyelination is crucial in pathophysiology, as it underpins many neurological diseases and their clinical manifestations.

The other terms do not specifically refer to the loss of the myelin sheath: neurodegeneration generally refers to the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, myelopathy pertains to a pathologic condition of the spinal cord, and neuropathy refers to diseases affecting the peripheral nerves, rather than exclusively emphasizing demyelination.