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

"Harnessing Schwann cell repair programs has great potential in treating chronic diseases," says Pfaff, also the Benjamin H. Lewis Chair at Salk.

From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2023

“It is a two-cell receptor organ: the nerve and Schwann cell together,” Ernfors said.

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

A single Schwann cell insulates a segment of a peripheral nerve, whereas in the CNS, an oligodendrocyte may provide insulation for a few separate axon segments.

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