Neuroglia

Topic: Anatomy & physiology

The supporting cells of nervous tissue, which do not conduct impulses; unlike neurons, they can divide. They bind, nourish and protect neurons, and some are phagocytic. The white, fatty myelin sheath around axons is made by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system; the gaps are the nodes of Ranvier. Peripheral fibers can regenerate thanks to the Schwann cell covering, but central fibers do not. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system damages myelin in the central nervous system.

Also known as:

Glial cells, Myelin sheath, Schwann cell, Oligodendrocyte

In Turkish:

Nöroglia