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HistologyTypes of tissuesNervous tissueSchwann cells
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HistologyTypes of tissuesNervous tissueSchwann cells

Schwann cells

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Peripheral nerves [16:31]
Histological appearance of the peripheral nerves.
Schwann cell
Schwannocytus
1/2
Synonyms: Neurolemmocyte, Neurolemmocytus

The Schwann cells, also known as neurolemmocytes, are a type of glial cells present exclusively in the peripheral nervous system. They develop from precursors in the neural crest and can be differentiated into two types of cells: 

  • Myelinating Schwann cells
  • Non-myelinating Schwann cells

The myelinating Schwann cells form a myelin sheath around a segment of the axon of a single nerve. This is different from the process of myelin formation in the central nervous system where oligodendrocytes can form myelin sheaths around more nerves. 

The nonmyelinating Schwann cells enfold several axons to form a Remak bundle (a group of C fiber axons).

In summary, the Schwann cells play an essential function in the development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of the nerves in the peripheral nervous system.

Terminology English: Schwann cell
English synonyms: Neurolemmocyte
Latin: Schwannocytus
Latin synonyms: Neurolemmocytus
Definition Myelin cell of the peripheral central system
Types Myelinating Schwann cells and nonmyelinating Schwann cells
Function Formation of the myelin sheath, development, maintenance, function and regeneration of peripheral nerves.

Learn more about the histology of the peripheral nerves with the following study unit: 

Peripheral nerves Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

McKinley, M. & Loughlin, V. (2012). Human anatomy. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Mescher, A. L., & Junqueira, L. C. (2013). Junqueira's basic histology: Text & atlas. McGraw-Hill Medical.
Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Young, B., O'Dowd, G., & Woodford, P. (2014). Wheater's functional histology: A text and colour atlas. Churchill Livingston/Elsevier.

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