Schwann cell

views updated May 18 2018

Schwann cell (neurilemma cell) A cell that forms the myelin sheath of a nerve fibre. Each cell is responsible for a single length of the fibre (called an internode); adjacent internodes are separated by small gaps (nodes of Ranvier). During its development the cell wraps itself around the fibre, so the sheath consists of concentric layers of Schwann cell membrane. These cells are named after Theodor Schwann.

Schwann cells

views updated May 23 2018

Schwann cells (shwon) pl. n. the cells that lay down the myelin sheath around the axon of a medullated nerve fibre. [ T. Schwann (1810–82), German anatomist and physiologist]

Schwann cell

views updated May 11 2018

Schwann cell See MYELIN SHEATH.