oligodendrokyyte

Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell found in the central nervous system (CNS). Their primary function is to produce and maintain the myelin sheath that insulates nerve axons. This myelin sheath is crucial for the rapid and efficient transmission of electrical signals along neurons. A single oligodendrocyte can myelinate multiple axons simultaneously, extending processes that wrap around segments of different nerve fibers. This myelination process, known as oligodendrogenesis, begins during fetal development and continues into adulthood. Oligodendrocytes also play a supportive role in neuronal health, providing metabolic support and contributing to the overall environment of the CNS. Damage or dysfunction of oligodendrocytes is implicated in various neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), where the immune system attacks myelin and the cells that produce it. Research into oligodendrocyte biology is ongoing, aiming to understand their development, function, and potential for therapeutic intervention in neurological disorders.