Schwann Cells

Schwann Cells

Schwann cells are a variety of glial cell that keep peripheral nerve fibres (both myelinated and unmyelinated) alive. In myelinated axons, Schwann cells form the myelin sheath. The sheath is not continuous. Individual myelinating Schwann cells cover about 1 mm of an axon, and the gaps between these cells are known as nodes of Ranvier.

Function

Schwann cells are involved in many important aspects of peripheral nerve biology—the conduction of nervous impulses along axons, nerve development and regeneration, trophic support for neurons, production of the nerve extracellular matrix, modulation of neuromuscular synaptic activity, and presentation of antigens to T-lymphocytes.

Development

Schwann cells originate from the neural crest during development, which is a transient, multipotent cell population that generates numerous cell types including neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system.

Clinical significance

Schwann cells can be involved in a variety of neuropathies. When damage occurs to nerves in the PNS, Schwann cells aid in cleaning up cellular debris and guide the regeneration of nerve axons. If the damage is severe and the Schwann cells cannot keep up with the debris, the nerve axon will not regenerate and the nerve will lose function.

See also

• Neuron
• Myelin
• Nodes of Ranvier
• Neural crest
• Neuropathies

References

Schwann Cells Resources
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