Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specialized glial cell in the peripheral nervous system: A Schwann cell is a type of cell that wraps around and insulates axons (nerve fibers) outside the brain and spinal cord. Its primary function is to form the myelin sheath, which speeds up the transmission of electrical signals along the nerve.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Damage to the Schwann cells can lead to impaired nerve function.
  • The myelin sheath produced by the Schwann cell is essential for rapid signal conduction.

Advanced Usage

• "Schwann cell transplantation": A research technique involving the implantation of these cells to potentially repair damaged nerves.
  • Schwann cell transplantation is being studied as a therapy for spinal cord injuries.

Variants and Related Words

• Myelin sheath (n): The fatty, insulating layer formed by Schwann cells (in the PNS) and oligodendrocytes (in the CNS) around nerve axons.
• Glial cell (n): A non-neuronal cell that provides support and insulation for neurons; Schwann cells are a type of glial cell found in the peripheral nervous system.
• Axon (n): The long, slender projection of a nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses; the structure that Schwann cells envelop.

Synonyms

• Neurolemmocyte: A less common technical synonym for a Schwann cell.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Schwann cell nucleus: The central part of the Schwann cell containing its genetic material.
  • The Schwann cell nucleus is typically located on the outer part of the myelin sheath.
• Schwann cell cytoplasm: The material within the cell membrane, excluding the nucleus.
  • The Schwann cell cytoplasm is squeezed out as the myelin layers are compacted.

Noun

1. any cell that covers the nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system and forms the myelin sheath