Schwann cell
Schwann Cell
Schwann cells (pronounced /ʃwɑːn/), also known as neurilemmocytes, are the principal glia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Named after physiologist Theodor Schwann, these cells are a variety of glial cell that keep peripheral nerve fibres (both myelinated and unmyelinated) alive.
Etymology
The term "Schwann cell" is named after the German physiologist Theodor Schwann (1810–1882) who discovered these cells during his research in the 19th century. The term "neurilemmocyte" derives from the Greek words "neur" meaning nerve, and "lemma" meaning husk or peel.
Function
Schwann cells are vital for the conduction of nerve impulses along the axons of the peripheral nervous system. They achieve this by forming myelin sheaths around the axons, which serve to increase the speed at which the impulses are conducted. Schwann cells are also involved in the maintenance of axons and in the regeneration of peripheral nerve fibres.
Related Terms
- Axon: The long threadlike part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted from the cell body to other cells.
- Myelin: A mixture of proteins and phospholipids forming a whitish insulating sheath around many nerve fibres, increasing the speed at which impulses are conducted.
- Glia: The connective tissue of the nervous system, consisting of several different types of cell associated with neurons.
- Peripheral Nervous System: The part of the nervous system that consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Schwann cell
- Wikipedia's article - Schwann cell
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