(shvon )

Ger. anatomist and physiologist, 1810–1882.

S. cell Any of the cells that surround and myelinate axons in peripheral nerves. Schwann cells originate in the neural crest and migrate into the embryo along growing axons, separating the axons by leaflets of cytoplasm. Eventually, Schwann cells wrap with myelin those axons that are >1 µm in diameter; each Schwann cell myelinates only one axon. Schwann cell activity is required for the successful regeneration of peripheral nerves.

SEE: neuron for illus.

S.'s sheath Myelin sheath