oligodendrocyte
Pronunciation: /ˌɒlɪɡoʊˈdɛndroʊˌsaɪt/
A type of glial cell responsible for producing myelin sheaths around axons in the central nervous system.
Full Definition
Oligodendrocytes are specialized glial cells found exclusively in the central nervous system that form and maintain myelin sheaths around axons. Each oligodendrocyte can myelinate multiple axonal segments, enhancing conduction velocity and providing metabolic support to neurons. These cells are crucial for white matter integrity and are primary targets in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Unlike Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system, oligodendrocytes cannot effectively regenerate after injury.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with Schwann cells, which perform similar functions in the peripheral nervous system.
In Context
- "Post-mortem analysis revealed extensive oligodendrocyte loss in the patient's white matter lesions." — Pathology report
- "The study examined oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation in response to growth factors." — Research publication