oligodendrocyte

(noun)

a cell that provides support and insulation to axons in the central nervous system of some vertebrates

Related Terms

Examples of oligodendrocyte in the following topics:

  • Glia

    • Oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths around axons in the CNS .
    • One axon can be myelinated by several oligodendrocytes; one oligodendrocyte can provide myelin for multiple neurons.
    • Glial cells of the (a) central nervous system include oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, ependymal cells, and microglial cells.
    • Oligodendrocytes form the myelin sheath around axons.
    • (a) Astrocytes and (b) oligodendrocytes are glial cells of the central nervous system.

  • Muscle Tissues and Nervous Tissues

    • Astrocytes regulate the chemical environment of the nerve cell, while oligodendrocytes insulate the axon so the electrical nerve impulse is transferred more efficiently.
    • Also shown are two types of glial cells: astrocytes to regulate the chemical environment of the nerve cell, and oligodendrocytes to insulate the axon so the electrical nerve impulse is transferred more efficiently.