The Myelin sheath is derived from the
Correct Answer :
Schwann cells
Solution :
The correct option is Schwann cells.
Explanation:
The nervous system is composed of neurons and supporting cells known as glial cells or neuroglia. One of the critical features of many nerve fibers is the presence of a myelin sheath, which is a protective, lipid-rich layer that wraps around the axons of neurons to insulate them and increase the speed of electrical signal transmission.
In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), this myelin sheath is produced and maintained by specialized glial cells called Schwann cells. Each Schwann cell wraps itself repeatedly around a single segment of an axon, forming concentric layers of plasma membrane that constitute the myelin sheath.
(Note: In the central nervous system, a different type of glial cell called an oligodendrocyte performs a similar function.)
Let us briefly review why the other options are incorrect:
- Microglia: These are the immune cells of the central nervous system that act as macrophages to clear cellular debris and pathogens; they do not produce myelin.
- Neuroglial cells: While Schwann cells are a type of neuroglial cell, "neuroglial cells" is a broad category containing many cell types (like astrocytes, microglia, etc.), making "Schwann cells" the specific and correct choice for myelin sheath derivation in the peripheral nervous system.
- Nerve cells: Also known as neurons, these are the cells that transmit electrical signals. They do not form the myelin sheath themselves; rather, they are the cells whose axons are wrapped by the myelin sheath.
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