Oligodendrocytes have small amounts of cytoplasm surrounding rounded nuclei, and possess only a few short processes. There are two main types: satellites around neurons in the gray matter. myelin-forming cells in the white matter.
What is the function of oligodendrocytes and where are they located?
oligodendrocyte, a type of neuroglia found in the central nervous system of invertebrates and vertebrates that functions to produce myelin, an insulating sheath on the axons of nerve fibres.
What is the structure of a Schwann cell?
A well-developed Schwann cell is shaped like a rolled-up sheet of paper, with layers of myelin between each coil. The inner layers of the wrapping, which are predominantly membrane material, form the myelin sheath, while the outermost layer of nucleated cytoplasm forms the neurilemma.
How the structure of the oligodendrocytes relate to their function?
The primary function of oligodendrocytes is to make myelin sheath around the axons in the white matter of CNS. They do this by wrapping around the axons and forming layers of the membrane around them. The cytoplasm condenses and the membrane layers fuse to form the myelin sheath.
What is the oligodendrocytes in the brain?
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.
What would happen if oligodendrocytes are destroyed?
Thus, neurotransmitter receptors play an important role in the normal life of oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, if oligodendrocytes become damaged and the myelin sheath is destroyed, the action potential is reduced in velocity or ceases altogether, leading to physical or mental disability.
Do oligodendrocytes make up the blood brain barrier?
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells are involved in maintaining blood–brain barrier integrity during the development.
