What is the main function of oligodendrocytes?
In the central nervous system (CNS), oligodendrocytes assemble myelin, a multilayered sheath of membrane, spirally wrapped around axonal segments and best known for its role in enabling fast saltatory impulse propagation1,2.
Where are oligodendrocytes located?
the central nervous system
Each oligodendrocyte forms one segment of myelin for several adjacent axons. Oligodendrocytes are found only in the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord.
What is the purpose of myelination?
The main function of myelin is to protect and insulate these axons and enhance the transmission of electrical impulses. If myelin is damaged, the transmission of these impulses is slowed down, which is seen in severe neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
What are the oligodendrocytes?
Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating glia of the central nervous system. Myelination of axons allows rapid saltatory conduction of nerve impulses and contributes to axonal integrity.
How do oligodendrocytes produce myelin?
Oligodendrocytes do this by creating the myelin sheath, a white and shiny fatty substance, which is composed by 80% of lipid and 20% of protein. In order to do so, the oligodendrocyte extends parts of its membrane to the axon and twists around it thereby forming a wrap of myelin sheaths around each axon.
What is the difference between Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes?
Oligodendrocytes are the cells which create myelin sheath around the axons of central nervous system. Schwann Cells are the cells which create myelin sheath around the axons of peripheral nervous system. Oligodendrocytes’ main function is the insulation of the nerve axons in the central nervous system.
What are the three function of dendrites?
The functions of dendrites are to receive signals from other neurons, to process these signals, and to transfer the information to the soma of the neuron.
