In the peripheral nervous system, which cells myelinate axons?

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Multiple Choice

In the peripheral nervous system, which cells myelinate axons?

In the peripheral nervous system, axons are myelinated by Schwann cells. These glial cells wrap around a single axon segment to form the myelin sheath, which insulates the axon and speeds up signal conduction through saltatory conduction. Each Schwann cell covers one myelin segment, with gaps between segments called nodes of Ranvier that enhance rapid transmission. Schwann cells also play a role in guiding regeneration after nerve injury. By comparison, oligodendrocytes handle myelination in the central nervous system, where one oligodendrocyte myelinates multiple axons. Astrocytes support neuronal function and maintain the extracellular environment, and microglia act as immune cells within the CNS.

In the peripheral nervous system, axons are myelinated by Schwann cells. These glial cells wrap around a single axon segment to form the myelin sheath, which insulates the axon and speeds up signal conduction through saltatory conduction. Each Schwann cell covers one myelin segment, with gaps between segments called nodes of Ranvier that enhance rapid transmission. Schwann cells also play a role in guiding regeneration after nerve injury. By comparison, oligodendrocytes handle myelination in the central nervous system, where one oligodendrocyte myelinates multiple axons. Astrocytes support neuronal function and maintain the extracellular environment, and microglia act as immune cells within the CNS.

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