What type of cells produce myelin sheaths in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Oligodendrocytes are the cells responsible for producing myelin sheaths in the central nervous system. Myelin sheaths are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, as they insulate nerve fibers and enhance the speed of impulse transmission along the axons.

Oligodendrocytes can myelinate multiple axons simultaneously, allowing for efficient covering of nerve fibers in the CNS, which includes the brain and spinal cord. This characteristic is crucial for maintaining the rapid conduction of electrical signals within the central nervous system.

Understanding the function of oligodendrocytes helps in grasping essential concepts related to neuronal signaling, as well as the potential implications of myelin sheath damage, which can lead to conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. In contrast, other cell types mentioned play different roles in the nervous system. For instance, astrocytes support and maintain the blood-brain barrier and provide nutrients to neurons, while microglia act as immune cells within the CNS, clearing debris and responding to injury. Schwann cells, on the other hand, are responsible for myelination in the peripheral nervous system, not the CNS.