Which cells are responsible for producing myelin in the central nervous system?

The cells responsible for producing myelin in the central nervous system are oligodendrocytes. Myelin is a fatty substance that wraps around the axons of neurons, allowing for efficient transmission of electrical impulses. Oligodendrocytes extend their cell membranes to form the myelin sheath around multiple axons simultaneously, which is crucial for the rapid conduction of nerve signals.

In contrast, astrocytes primarily serve to support neurons, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and provide metabolic support, while microglia act as the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, responding to injury and disease. Schwann cells, on the other hand, produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system, not the central nervous system. Understanding the distinct roles of these glial cells helps clarify the structure and function of nervous tissue in different parts of the nervous system.