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Oligodendrocytes

Meaning

Oligodendrocytes are a specialized type of glial cell found exclusively in the central nervous system (CNS) that are functionally analogous to Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Their primary biological role is the synthesis and maintenance of the myelin sheath, a lipid-rich insulating layer that wraps around the axons of neurons. This myelin insulation is critical for the rapid, saltatory conduction of electrical impulses, facilitating efficient communication throughout the brain and spinal cord, which is indirectly influenced by various circulating hormones.