Neuroglial cells are the supporting cells of the nervous system. They can be classified into two groups depending on the part of the nervous system.

Figure 1. Types of neuroglial cells

Schwann cells

Schwann cells produce the myelin sheath in the PNS.

  • Isolates the axon, ensuring rapid conduction of nerve impulses.
  • During myelination, the axon rests on the Schwann cell, which then engulfs the axon, wrapping and twisting in a spiral.
  • The cytoplasm is squeezed and usually, there will be no cytoplasm left at the tightly wrapped portion.

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