Which is the primary role of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- The primary role of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is to form myelin sheaths around axons.
- These myelin sheaths are crucial for insulating nerve fibers, which significantly increase the speed of electrical impulse conduction along the axon.
- This process is known as saltatory conduction, where the nerve impulse jumps between nodes of Ranvier, the gaps between adjacent Schwann cells.
- While Schwann cells also provide some metabolic support to neurons and can aid in phagocytosing cellular debris after nerve injury, these functions are secondary to their main role of myelination.
- Schwann cells do not transmit electrical impulses themselves; instead, they facilitate rapid impulse transmission by insulating axons.
In summary, the defining and primary function of Schwann cells in the PNS is the formation and maintenance of myelin sheaths, which is essential for efficient nerve signal conduction.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd Edition, Nervous System / Peripheral Nervous System, Chapter 6 / Page 497
- These myelin sheaths are crucial for insulating nerve fibers, which significantly increase the speed of electrical impulse conduction along the axon.
- This process is known as saltatory conduction, where the nerve impulse jumps between nodes of Ranvier, the gaps between adjacent Schwann cells.
- While Schwann cells also provide some metabolic support to neurons and can aid in phagocytosing cellular debris after nerve injury, these functions are secondary to their main role of myelination.
- Schwann cells do not transmit electrical impulses themselves; instead, they facilitate rapid impulse transmission by insulating axons.
In summary, the defining and primary function of Schwann cells in the PNS is the formation and maintenance of myelin sheaths, which is essential for efficient nerve signal conduction.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd Edition, Nervous System / Peripheral Nervous System, Chapter 6 / Page 497
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