Schwann cell

American  

noun

Biology.

1. a cell of the peripheral nervous system that wraps around a nerve fiber, jelly-roll fashion, forming the myelin sheath.

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Schwann cell Scientific  

/ shwän,shvän /

1. Any of the cells that cover the axons in the peripheral nervous system and form the myelin sheath.

2. See more at myelin

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Etymology

Origin of Schwann cell

1930–35; after T. Schwann, who first described it

Example Sentences

Damage then prompted Mitf to relocate from the cytoplasm of the cell to the nucleus, where it would direct the Schwann cell to make repairs.

From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2023

These are a type of Schwann cell, which wrap around and engulf nerve cells and help to keep them alive.

From The Guardian • Aug. 15, 2019

The hearts of 2% to 6% of male rats in the cellphone groups also developed a tumor in what’s known as a Schwann cell, which is part of the sheath around nerves.

From Science Magazine • May 27, 2016

Outside the plasma membrane of the axon is the myelin sheath, which is composed of the tightly wrapped plasma membrane of a Schwann cell.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The F.D.A. approvals of Schwann cell transplantation opens the door for therapy in humans.

From New York Times • Sep. 22, 2012