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Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell found in the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. They are specialized cells that play a crucial role in myelination, the process of providing support and insulation to axons.

Oligodendrocytes are responsible for producing myelin, a fatty molecule that surrounds and protects the axons of neurons. This myelin sheath is crucial for the transmission of electrical signals along the axons, enabling rapid communication between neurons. In the central nervous system, a single oligodendrocyte can extend its processes to myelinate multiple axons.

Oligodendrocytes are produced in the central nervous system during embryonic development and early childhood. They continue to proliferate throughout life, although their numbers tend to decrease with age. In adults, most oligodendrocytes are post-mitotic, meaning they have exited the cell cycle and are no longer capable of dividing.

Oligodendrocytes can be distinguished from other types of glial cells, such as astrocytes, based on their morphology and expression of specific surface markers. They are also characterized by their ability to myelinate axons and to produce myelin.

Dysfunction of oligodendrocytes has been implicated in a range of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. These disorders are characterized by the loss of myelin and the formation of demyelinating lesions, leading to impaired nerve function and a range of symptoms.

In addition to their role in myelination, oligodendrocytes have also been implicated in neurotransmitter signaling and other cellular processes. Further research into the biology of oligodendrocytes may shed light on their role in nervous system function and disease.