What is the function of Schwann cells?
Schwann cells embryologically derive from the neural crest. They myelinate peripheral nerves and serve as the primary glial cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), insulating and providing nutrients to axons. Myelination increases conduction velocity along the axon, allowing for the saltatory conduction of impulses.[1]
What is the pathophysiology of Schwann disease?
Pathophysiology The major diseases involving Schwann cells are demyelinating or neoplastic processes. Disorders that cause damage to the myelin sheath in the PNS, affecting the function of Schwann cells and axons, are called peripheral demyelinating diseases.
How does a Schwann cell form a myelin sheath?
A Schwann cell forms a myelin sheath by wrapping its plasma membrane concentrically around the inner axon. While the nucleus remains fixed, the inner turn of the glial cell membrane spirals around the axon to add membrane layers, or lamellae, to the myelin sheath.
How is Schwann cell neoplasm diagnosed and treated?
Schwann cell neoplasms can be identified by immunohistochemistry for Schwann cell markers such as S-100. Management varies from monitoring and supportive care for asymptomatic dermal neurofibromas to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for metastatic MPNSTs.
Schwann cells serve as the myelinating cell of the PNS and support cells of peripheral neurons. A Schwann cell forms a myelin sheath by wrapping its plasma membrane concentrically around the inner axon.
What is the comparison of Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes?
Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells form myelin sheaths around the axons.
What do Schwann cells do?
Structural support
What is the structure of a Schwann cell?
Structure. Each Schwann cell makes up a single myelin sheath on a peripheral axon, with each ensuing myelin sheath made by a different Schwann cell, such that numerous Schwann cells are needed to myelinate the length of an axon. This arrangement is in contrast to oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cell of the central nervous system (CNS), which