Asked by Nicole Schultz on Apr 29, 2024

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Schwann cells differ from oligodendrocytes in which of the following ways?

A) Schwann cells form myelin; oligodendrocytes do not.
B) Oligodendrocytes are only found in the PNS; Schwann cells are only found in the CNS.
C) Schwann cells form sheaths around several axons, while oligodendrocytes form sheaths around only one axon.
D) Schwann cells form a myelin sheath around a portion of only one axon, while oligodendrocytes can surround portions of several axons.
E) None of the choices are correct.

Schwann Cells

Specialized cells that form the myelin sheath around nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system, aiding in the rapid transmission of electrical signals.

Oligodendrocytes

A type of glial cell in the central nervous system that produces the myelin sheath, helping to increase the speed at which electrical impulses propagate along nerve cells.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that encases and insulates the axons of many neurons, allowing for faster transmission of electrical signals along the nerve cells.

  • Compare and contrast the various glial cells and elucidate their functions in the nervous system.
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IS
inderjeet singhMay 05, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Schwann cells are found in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and myelinate a single axon segment, while oligodendrocytes are found in the central nervous system (CNS) and can myelinate multiple axon segments.