What is the role of Schwann cells in the nervous system?

Schwann cells play a crucial role in the nervous system by creating the myelin sheath that surrounds and insulates axons of peripheral neurons. This myelination is essential for the proper functioning of nerve cells, as it increases the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission along the nerve fibers. The myelin sheath acts as an insulator, allowing impulses to jump between nodes of Ranvier (gaps in the myelin), which significantly enhances the conduction velocity of action potentials.

The formation of this sheath is particularly important in the peripheral nervous system, where Schwann cells are the primary glial cells responsible for myelination. Without adequate myelination by Schwann cells, the transmission of nerve impulses would be slower and less efficient, potentially leading to neurological disorders. Thus, their role in creating the myelin sheath is fundamental for the rapid communication necessary for various bodily functions and reflex responses.