    In multiple sclerosis, lesions, also known as plaques, are
patches of inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) in
which the nerve cells (neurons) have been stripped of their
myelin, an insulating fatty protein. Lesions tend to be randomly
distributed in the CNS white matter. The neurons of the white
matter are responsible for sending communication signals both
within the CNS and between the CNS and the rest of the body.
Demyelinated neurons do not function efficiently and it is these
lesions that give rise to the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. As
the disease progresses, the neurons themselves can become
damaged. Modern technologies such as MRI scans and to a lesser
extend CT scans can produce images of the brain and spinal cord
showing the distribution of the lesions.  In relapsing-remitting
MS, their is significant recovery as the inflammation dies down.
Special maintenance cells called glial cells are responsible for
the repair of the damaged nerves. One type of glial cell, called
an oligodend