What are oligodendrocytes derived from?

The oligodendrocytes derive from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), which arise from multiple restricted regions of the ventricular zone in the developing CNS, including the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, rhombencephalon and spinal cord.

What is oligodendrocyte differentiation?

Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are responsible for the myelination of axons in the central nervous system (CNS). The differentiation of OLs encompasses several stages, through which cells undergo dramatic biochemical and morphological changes.

What is the difference between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes?

Astrocytes are the star-shaped glial cells that form the blood brain barrier, regulate chemicals around the neurons and blood flow to the brain. Oligodendrocytes, on the other hand, are the glial cells that form the myelin sheath around the axons. So, this is the key difference between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

How do oligodendrocytes produce myelin?

In order to do so, the oligodendrocyte extends parts of its membrane to the axon and twists around it thereby forming a wrap of myelin sheaths around each axon. A single oligodendrocyte can extend its processes to 50 axons. The cell body is the central part of the oligodendrocyte (same as for the neuron).

Where are oligodendrocytes produced?

These cells were originally thought to have been produced in the ventral neural tube; however, research now shows oligodendrocytes originate from the ventral ventricular zone of the embryonic spinal cord and possibly have some concentrations in the forebrain.

What are Schwann cells called in the CNS?

Schwann cells are named after German physiologist Theodor Schwann, who discovered them in the 19th century. These cells are equivalent to a type of neuroglia called oligodendrocytes, which occur in the central nervous system.

What cell did Theodor Schwann discover?

At Liège he investigated muscular contraction and nerve structure, discovering the striated muscle in the upper esophagus and the myelin sheath covering peripheral axons, now known as Schwann cells.