PsychologyJuly 15, 2026
oligodendrocyte
ˌɒl.ɪ.ɡoʊˈdɛn.droʊ.saɪt
Definition
A type of specialized glial cell in the central nervous system responsible for producing and maintaining the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers.
Etymology
Derived from Greek roots: 'oligo-' (few), 'dendro-' (tree), and 'cyte' (cell), describing the cell's appearance with few branches. It entered scientific terminology in the early 20th century to describe these specific support cells.
In the news
In this article, researchers found that opioid withdrawal suppresses genes that regulate oligodendrocytes, hindering their ability to maintain the myelin necessary for efficient neuronal communication and cognitive function.
Study uncovers another way that opioid use, withdrawal affect the brain
Read the full article ↗ASU News