oligodentrotsüüdid

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 axons. This myelination process is crucial for the rapid and efficient transmission of electrical signals along neurons. Each oligodendrocyte can myelinate multiple axons simultaneously, wrapping segments of each axon with its plasma membrane. This insulation speeds up nerve impulse conduction through saltatory conduction, where the signal jumps between the unmyelinated gaps called nodes of Ranvier. In addition to myelination, oligodendrocytes also provide metabolic support to axons. They play a role in maintaining the health and function of the CNS. Disruptions in oligodendrocyte function or myelin formation are implicated in various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, where the immune system attacks and damages myelin. Research into oligodendrocytes continues to explore their potential for regeneration and therapeutic applications in CNS injury and disease.