American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnologist Practice Test

Which type of cells are known for producing and maintaining myelin sheaths in the central nervous system?

1. Astrocytes

2. Oligodendroglia

3. Schwann cells

4. Neurons

The correct answer is: Oligodendroglia

The correct answer is indeed oligodendroglia, as these cells are specifically responsible for producing and maintaining the myelin sheaths that insulate the axons of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin sheaths are crucial for the rapid conduction of electrical impulses along the axons, enhancing signal transmission efficiency. Oligodendrocytes, the type of oligodendroglia, are unique to the CNS and can myelinate multiple axons simultaneously, which contrasts with Schwann cells, which are found in the peripheral nervous system and typically myelinate only one axon at a time. This distinction is important because it highlights the specialized roles these cell types play in different parts of the nervous system. Astrocytes, while important for nutritional support and maintaining the blood-brain barrier, do not contribute to myelin production. They fulfill various functions that support the overall environment of the neurons but are not involved in myelination. Neurons themselves are the main signaling cells in the nervous system and rely on oligodendrocytes to provide the myelin necessary for efficient electrical signaling, but they do not produce myelin. This delineation of roles underscores why oligodendroglia is the correct choice for