Which glial cell forms the myelin sheath around axons in the central nervous system?

Which glial cell forms the myelin sheath around axons in the central nervous system?

• A. Oligodendrocytes
• B. Schwann cells
• C. Astrocytes
• D. Microglia

Answer: (A)

Forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system is done by oligodendrocytes. These glial cells extend projections that wrap around segments of several axons, creating myelin sheaths with gaps called nodes of Ranvier. This insulation speeds nerve impulses through saltatory conduction. Schwann cells carry out a similar insulating role in the peripheral nervous system, but each Schwann cell myelinates only a single axon segment. Astrocytes provide support and regulate the neural environment, while microglia act as immune cells in the CNS. So, oligodendrocytes are the cells responsible for CNS myelination.

Forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system is done by oligodendrocytes. These glial cells extend projections that wrap around segments of several axons, creating myelin sheaths with gaps called nodes of Ranvier. This insulation speeds nerve impulses through saltatory conduction. Schwann cells carry out a similar insulating role in the peripheral nervous system, but each Schwann cell myelinates only a single axon segment. Astrocytes provide support and regulate the neural environment, while microglia act as immune cells in the CNS. So, oligodendrocytes are the cells responsible for CNS myelination.