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

See Examples For:

Schwann cell

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

This is distinctive from the PNS where a single Schwann cell provides myelin for only one axon as the entire Schwann cell surrounds the axon.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

“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

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

From New York Times ● Sep. 22, 2012