oligodendrotsüüdid

Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell found in the central nervous system (CNS). Their primary function is to produce myelin, a fatty sheath that insulates nerve fibers, or axons. This insulation is crucial for efficient and rapid transmission of electrical signals along neurons. One oligodendrocyte can myelinate segments of multiple axons, making them highly efficient.

The myelin sheath formed by oligodendrocytes plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the brain and spinal cord. It increases the speed of nerve impulse conduction through saltatory conduction, where the impulse "jumps" between gaps in the myelin sheath called nodes of Ranvier. This rapid signaling is essential for everything from motor control and sensory perception to complex cognitive processes.

In addition to myelination, oligodendrocytes also provide metabolic support to axons. They can supply essential nutrients and molecules to neurons, helping to maintain their health and function. This supportive role is critical for neuronal survival and overall CNS integrity.

Dysfunction or damage to oligodendrocytes is implicated in various neurological disorders. For example, in multiple sclerosis (MS), the myelin sheath is progressively destroyed by the immune system, leading to impaired nerve signaling and a range of debilitating symptoms. Diseases affecting oligodendrocyte development or survival can also result in severe neurological deficits. Research into understanding and protecting oligodendrocytes is therefore a significant area of neuroscience.