Submitted by Original-Cookie4385 t3_zz9cc6 in explainlikeimfive
Is Neuron not a cell? Or is Schwann's cell just a weird name for organel of Neuron? Also, why does Neuron have Myelin sheath and the Schwann's cells?
Comments
RealLonestarTX t1_j2aasw2 wrote
The Schwann cell is a separate cell in the periphery nervous system. In the CNS oligodendrocytes do the same job. These cells wrap part of their plasma membrane around the axon of the neuron to aid conduction and we call that part left there the myelin sheath. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27954/
Original-Cookie4385 OP t1_j2dl0g0 wrote
Thank you so much, gonna read it
Original-Cookie4385 OP t1_j2a9kdm wrote
Oligodendroctyes?
But why does it have Myelin sheath and Schwann cells?
IdlePermanence t1_j2c71yx wrote
Neurons are cells. Schwann cells are also cells. Schwann cells surround a neuron and basically work to keep them alive and functioning. There are two types - ones that produce myelin and ones that don't. Myelin is made up of protein and fatty substances.
Say this is a neuron:
O --------X
O is the cell body (where the nucleus is)
-------- is the axon
X is the axon terminal (the end)
Myelinated Schwann cells wrap around the axon of a neuron and form the myelin sheath along the length of an axon. They don't form as one long sheath, there's several myelinated segments along the length of the axon. Wrapping up the axon in this way increases the speed at which a nerve signal gets transferred from one neuron to the next -- this is needed for motor/sensory function so you can react quickly and appropriately in day to day life. For example, knowing instantly to take your hand away when you accidentally touch a hot stove with your bare hand.
Original-Cookie4385 OP t1_j2dkzmj wrote
Thank you so much, helped a lot ^ ^
[deleted] t1_j2a7f0l wrote
[removed]
FRidgard t1_j2a94uv wrote
Schwann cell is wrapped around neuron, that counts for neuronal cells outside central nervous system. Myelin sheeth is inside central nervous system by oligodendrocytes