Introducing the brain: what do oligodendrites do? (Introduction)

by David Turell , Friday, January 12, 2024, 19:52 (105 days ago) @ David Turell

Newly explored synapses with oligodendrocytes:

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-reveals-function-understood-synapse-brain.html

"Neuroscientists focused on the junction, or synapse, connecting neurons to a non-neuronal cell, known as oligodendrocyte precursor cells, or OPCs. OPCs can differentiate into oligodendrocytes, which produce a sheath around nerves known as myelin. Myelin is the protective sheath covering each nerve cell's axon—the threadlike portion of a cell that transmits electrical signals between cells.

"The study found that these synapses play a pivotal role in producing that myelin.

***

"The findings are likely the tip of the iceberg in terms of understanding the importance of these synapses, said lead author Jiaxing Li, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in Monk's lab.

"Oligodendrocyte precursor cells comprise about 5% of all cells in the brain—meaning the synapses they form with neurons could be relevant to many disease conditions, including the formation of cancerous tumors.

***

"Even though these precursor cells comprise roughly 5% of all human brain cells, only a fraction go on to form oligodendrocytes.

"'It's becoming pretty clear that these OPCs have other functions aside from forming oligodendrocytes," Monk said. "From an evolutionary perspective, it doesn't make sense to have so many of these precursor cells in your brain if they're not doing something." (my bold)

"Their synaptic connection to neurons therefore likely plays a fundamental role in the brain, and is worthy of future exploration, she said."

Comment: our complex brain is still filled with mysteries. Five percent of all brain cells is a large minority still not understood. Note my bold. Everything existing in life is there for a purpose. Nothing is vestigial, to Darwinists sad surprise.