Myelinated nerve. Black and white transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a myelinated nerve fibre. Myelin is an insulating fatty layer that surrounds nerve fibres, increasing the speed at which nerve impulses travel. It is formed when Schwann cells wrap around the fibre, depositing layers of myelin between each coil. The outermost layer consists of the Schwann cell's cytoplasm and is known as the nuerolemma or sheath of Schwann.A basement membrane surrounds the schwann cells. The nerve fibres are surrounded by endoneurium a delicate connective tissue that contains collagen. Magnification: x8000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide