What are oligodendrocytes?

oligodendrocytes, also known as oligodendroglia, are a type of brain cell in the central nervous system that belongs to the Glio -cell family. The main purpose of glial cells is to maintain and promote nervous system cells. Oligodendrocytes support neurons by the production of a substance called Myelin, which consists of approximately 80 percent of lipids and 20 percent of the protein. Oligodendrocytes essentially wrap oily myelin around the extension of nerve cells called axons. These myelin shells have approximately 0.39 inches (about 1 mm) thick and this tire acts as an insulation of axons - this results in rapid nerve pulses along the axons.

Schwann cells are another type of glial cells that work similarly for the supply of myelinization to axons. However, there are several key differences between Schwann's cells and oligodendrocytes. First, Schwann's cells of myelinate neurons in the peripheral nervous system, while the oligodendrocytymyelinate neurons in the central nervous system. Second, one, oneOligodendrocyte has the ability to myeline up to approximately 50 axons, while Schwann cells can only myelinate one axon.

oligodendrocytes arise from precursor cells of oligodendrocytes (OPC). In general, a precursor cell is a type of partially differentiated cell that retains the ability to distinguish itself into several functionally related cell types, but has lost the ability to distinguish itself into multiple cell types. In adults, the small OPC population remains and it is believed that the OPC accounts for approximately 5 to 10 percent of the adult gli -cell population. In response to certain mechanical injuries or viral infections, these OPCs are assumed to be stimulated to grow and replace damaged oligodendrocytes in healthy individuals, leading to remyelinization of neurons.

myelin vagina can be compared with gear of electrical wires, preventing ion leakage and maintaining the electrical potential of axons. Therefore is myelinatedAxon much more efficient in a transmission signal than an unyelinated Axon. Axon demyelines are associated with several pathological conditions, the most common of which is multiple sclerosis (MS).

MS is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and damages myelin cloak, leading to defective transduction of nerve signals along the axons. Leukodystrophy arises from insufficient production of myelin during growth, resulting in a number of symptoms that include slowing mental and physical development, progressive loss of movement and progressive deterioration of senses such as vision and hearing. Other conditions associated with oligodendrocyte damage include cerebral palsy, stroke involvement and paralysis caused by spinal cord damage.