What type of cells in the nervous system are responsible for the formation of myelin?

Oligodendrocytes are the type of cells in the nervous system responsible for the formation of myelin. Myelin is a fatty substance that wraps around the axons of neurons, providing insulation and allowing for the faster transmission of electrical signals along the nerve fibers. In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes can myelinate multiple axons simultaneously, contributing significantly to the speed and efficiency of neural communication.

The other types of cells play different roles: astrocytes are involved in supporting neuronal health and maintaining the blood-brain barrier; microglia act as immune cells that clean up debris and protect against pathogens; and ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and help produce cerebrospinal fluid. Each of these cell types is essential to the overall function and maintenance of the nervous system, but only oligodendrocytes are specialized for myelin formation.