describe how schwann cells form the myelin sheath and the neurilemma course hero

by Prof. Octavia Jerde 5 min read

What is the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system?

Special glia called Schwann cells form the myelin sheath which cover axons in the peripheral nervous system. The myelin sheath is actually two layers. The first layer surrounding the axon is called the myelin sheath and it is made up of the plasma membrane of the Schwann cells.

What is the outermost membrane of a Schwann cell?

The Schwann cell nucleus and the bulk of its cytoplasm end up just beneath the outermost portion of its plasma membrane. This peripheral part of the Schwann cell and its exposed plasma membrane is the neurilemma. What is the outer membrane of a schwann cell called? What is necessary for regrowth of neuron processes?

How many layers does the myelin sheath have?

The myelin sheath is actually two layers. The first layer surrounding the axon is called the myelin sheath and it is made up of the plasma membrane of the Schwann cells. The Schwann cells cytoplasm creates the second layer and is called the neurolemma.

How do Schwann cells form the myelin sheath and the neurilemma?

The Schwann cells repeatedly wrap themselves around the axon, forming layers of membrane called the myelin sheath. This structure pushes the Schwann cell's cytoplasm and organelles to the periphery of the cell, which is called the neurilemma.

How do Schwann cells make up the myelin sheath?

How do Schwann cells form the myelin sheath? The plasma membrane of Schwann cells, which contains high amount of lipid, forms the myelin sheath. The cholesterol present in the plasma membrane is essential for assembling the myelin sheath.

How do Schwann cells make up the myelin sheath and the neurilemma on the outside of nerve fibers in the PNS?

Describe how the Schwann cells form the myelin sheath and the neurilemma encasing the nerve processes. A Schwann cell becomes apposed to an axon and envelopes it in a trough. It then begins to rotate around the axon, wrapping it loosely in successive layers of its plasma membrane.

What is the difference between neurilemma and myelin sheaths in Schwann cells?

Neurilemma and myelin sheath are two layers that surround the myelinated nerve fibers. The main difference between neurilemma and myelin sheath is that neurilemma is the plasma membrane layer of the Schwann cells whereas myelin sheath is the fatty acid layer that encloses the nerve fiber.

How are Schwann cells formed?

Schwann cells derive embryologically from the neural crest, which comprises multipotent cells migrating away from the dorsal neural tube. Neural crest cells differentiate into Schwann cell precursors, which migrate and proliferate along tracts of axons that have already extended into the periphery.

What is the neurilemma and what is its function?

Neurilemma serves a protective function for peripheral nerve fibers. Damaged nerve fibers may regenerate if the cell body is not damaged and the neurilemma remains intact. The neurilemma forms a regeneration tube through which the growing axon re-establishes its original connection.

How do Schwann cells work?

Schwann cell, also called neurilemma cell, any of the cells in the peripheral nervous system that produce the myelin sheath around neuronal axons.

What is the role of Schwann cells in neuron?

The Schwann cell plays a vital role in maintaining the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Schwann cells are derived from neural crest cells, and come in two types either myelinating or non-myelinating Schwann cells. Both play a pivotal role in the maintenance and regeneration of axons of the neurons in the PNS.

What is a neurilemma cell?

Definition of neurilemma : the plasma membrane surrounding a Schwann cell of a myelinated nerve fiber and separating layers of myelin.