Which glial cell forms myelin in the central nervous system?

Which glial cell forms myelin in the central nervous system?

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

Answer: (A)

Oligodendrocytes are responsible for forming myelin in the central nervous system. These glial cells extend their processes to wrap around axons within the CNS, creating the myelin sheath that insulates the fibers and speeds up electrical signal transmission. A single oligodendrocyte can myelinate multiple nearby axons, which is a distinctive feature of CNS myelination. In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells carry out myelination, each wrapping a single segment of one axon. Astrocytes support neurons and regulate the neural environment, while microglia function as immune cells within the CNS.

Oligodendrocytes are responsible for forming myelin in the central nervous system. These glial cells extend their processes to wrap around axons within the CNS, creating the myelin sheath that insulates the fibers and speeds up electrical signal transmission. A single oligodendrocyte can myelinate multiple nearby axons, which is a distinctive feature of CNS myelination. In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells carry out myelination, each wrapping a single segment of one axon. Astrocytes support neurons and regulate the neural environment, while microglia function as immune cells within the CNS.