Oligodendrocytes

Definition

Oligodendrocytes are specialized glial cells in the central nervous system responsible for producing myelin, which insulates axons and enhances the speed of electrical signal transmission. These cells play a crucial role in maintaining neuronal health and function, contributing significantly to neural induction and neurogenesis by providing structural support and metabolic assistance to neurons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oligodendrocytes can myelinate multiple axons simultaneously, whereas Schwann cells, found in the peripheral nervous system, typically myelinate only one axon.
2. They arise from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) during development, which can differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes in response to specific signals.
3. In addition to myelination, oligodendrocytes provide metabolic support to neurons by supplying lactate and other nutrients.
4. Oligodendrocytes are involved in the repair processes following injury to the central nervous system, although their ability to remyelinate damaged axons is limited.
5. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis involve the degeneration of oligodendrocytes and loss of myelin, leading to disrupted neuronal communication.

Review Questions

• How do oligodendrocytes contribute to the process of neural induction and neurogenesis?
  • Oligodendrocytes play a vital role in neural induction by providing essential signals and an environment conducive for neuron development. They secrete factors that influence neurogenesis, ensuring proper growth and differentiation of neurons. Additionally, their myelination of axons helps facilitate efficient signal transmission once neurons have matured.
• Discuss the differences between oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells in terms of their functions and locations within the nervous system.
  • Oligodendrocytes are located in the central nervous system and can myelinate multiple axons simultaneously, providing insulation that increases signal transmission speed. In contrast, Schwann cells are found in the peripheral nervous system and typically myelinate only one axon. This difference in function reflects the distinct structural requirements of the central versus peripheral nervous systems.
• Evaluate the impact of oligodendrocyte dysfunction in neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and how this affects neuronal communication.
  • Oligodendrocyte dysfunction in diseases like multiple sclerosis leads to demyelination, where myelin sheaths are damaged or lost. This results in slower transmission of electrical signals along affected axons, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, coordination issues, and sensory disturbances. The impaired ability to remyelinate further exacerbates these problems, highlighting the critical role that oligodendrocytes play in maintaining healthy neuronal communication.

Related terms

Myelin: A fatty substance that forms a protective sheath around axons, increasing the speed at which electrical impulses travel along the nerve cells.

Astrocytes: Star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord that support neuronal function, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and regulate blood flow.

Neurogenesis: The process of generating new neurons from neural stem or progenitor cells, essential for brain development and plasticity.