OLIGODENDROCYTES Meaning and
Definition
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Oligodendrocytes are specialized cells found in the central nervous system (CNS) that play a crucial role in maintaining and supporting the functioning of neurons. These cells are a type of glial cell, which are non-neuronal cells that provide support, protection, and insulation to neurons.
The primary function of oligodendrocytes is to produce and maintain myelin, a fatty substance that coats and insulates the axons of neurons. Myelin acts as an electrical insulator, allowing for faster and more efficient transmission of nerve impulses along the axons. This enables quick and accurate communication between different parts of the nervous system.
In addition to myelination, oligodendrocytes also provide metabolic support to neurons by supplying them with essential nutrients and clearing away waste products. They are involved in the regulation of ions within the extracellular environment surrounding the neurons. Oligodendrocytes also contribute to the overall structural stability of the CNS by creating a network of support within the brain and spinal cord.
Dysfunction or damage to oligodendrocytes can have significant consequences for neural communication. In conditions like multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys these cells, leading to demyelination and disruption of nerve impulses. Understanding the role of oligodendrocytes in maintaining and supporting neuronal function is crucial for unlocking potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and promoting nervous system regeneration.
Common Misspellings for OLIGODENDROCYTES
- iligodendrocytes
- kligodendrocytes
- lligodendrocytes
- pligodendrocytes
- 0ligodendrocytes
- 9ligodendrocytes
- okigodendrocytes
- opigodendrocytes
- ooigodendrocytes
- olugodendrocytes
- oljgodendrocytes
- olkgodendrocytes
- ologodendrocytes
- ol9godendrocytes
- ol8godendrocytes
- olifodendrocytes
- olivodendrocytes
- olibodendrocytes
- olihodendrocytes
- oliyodendrocytes
Etymology of OLIGODENDROCYTES
The word "oligodendrocytes" is derived from the Greek terms "oligo", which means "few" or "scanty", "dendron", meaning "tree", and "kytos", meaning "cell". Therefore, "oligodendrocytes" literally translates to "cells with few branches". This name is attributed to the morphology of these cells, as they possess a limited number of processes or extensions compared to other types of glial cells. Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell that forms myelin, an insulating substance that wraps around nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS).
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