How does the myelination process differ in the Central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system?
1 Answer
Myelin sheath is formed in CNS by Oligodendrocytes but in PNS by Schwann cells.
Explanation:
Myelin sheath is wrapped around the axons of neurons in both central and peripheral nervous systems. This is called myelination. Myelination provides the electrical insulation of neurons.
In CNS (central nervous system) oligodendrocyte is responsible for myelination of neuronal axons. These cells have processes that wrap around the axons to form myelin sheath. One oligodendrocyte forms myelin sheath for several neurons (from 3 to 50 neurons).
In PNS (peripheral nervous system) myelin sheath is formed by Schwann cell. in contrast to oligodendrocyte, one Schwann cell provide myelination for one axon (actually only a segment of one axon).
Myelination in CNS & PNS :
