Which cells are concerned with the production of myelin in the central nervous system?

The production of myelin in the central nervous system is the primary function of oligodendrocytes. These specialized glial cells wrap around axons in the central nervous system (CNS) to form the myelin sheath, which is crucial for the proper conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve fibers. This myelin sheath acts as an insulator, enhancing the speed and efficiency of neural signal transmission.

Oligodendrocytes can extend their processes to multiple axons, allowing them to myelinate several nerve fibers simultaneously, which is a critical aspect of their role in the CNS. This contrasts with Schwann cells, which are responsible for myelination in the peripheral nervous system and typically myelinate only one segment of a single axon.

Astrocytes play a supportive role in the CNS by maintaining the blood-brain barrier, providing nutrients to neurons, and participating in repair processes, but they do not produce myelin. Microglia serve as the immune defense in the CNS, helping to remove debris and respond to injury, yet they also do not contribute to myelination. Understanding the distinct functions of these cell types highlights why oligodendrocytes are specifically identified with myelin production in the CNS.