髓磷脂（英语：Myelin）为包绕在神经元的轴突外部的物质，每隔一段距离便有中断部份，形成一节一节的形状。中断的部分称为“兰氏结”（Ranvier's node）。髓磷脂由30%蛋白质和70%的各类脂质组成。后者主要含有鞘氨醇、脑苷脂、脂肪酸和磷脂酰胆碱（少数为磷脂酰乙醇胺）等，在高等动物的脑髓鞘和红细胞膜中特别丰富。髓鞘(myelin sheath)是由施旺细胞（Schwann's cell）或其它类型的神经支持细胞形成的。

髓鞘一般只出现在脊椎动物的轴突，以及一些桡脚类。

目前知道髓鞘的功能有三。一是支持轴突与周围组织，例如相邻的轴突之间的电气绝缘，以避免干扰。二是通过一种称为“跳跃式传导”的机制来加快动作电位的传递。三是在一些轴突受损的情况下引导轴突的再生。

Myelin is a fatty white substance that surrounds the axon of some nerve cells, forming an electrically insulating layer. It is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is an outgrowth of a type of glial cell.

The production of the myelin sheath is called myelination or myelinogenesis. In humans, myelination begins in the 14th week of fetal development, although little myelin exists in the brain at the time of birth. During infancy, myelination occurs quickly, leading to a child's fast development, including crawling and walking in the first year. Myelination continues through the adolescent stage of life.