Question

Name the neuroglial cell that is most affected by multiple sclerosis.

Answer 1

The neuroglial cell that is most affected by multiple sclerosis is oligodendrocyte which creates the myelin around around the nerve cells of brain and spinal cord. Myelin sheath is a layer of fat around the nerve cells which provides protection, support and helps in conduction of nerve signals through neurons. Myelin sheath is produced by the glial cells called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Glial cells are supporting cells of the nervous system.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of oligodendrocyte glial cells of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) by the individual's own immune system after exposure to some viral infection or environmental factors. The immune system destroys the oligodendrocytes which leads to the destruction of the myelin sheath around the nerve cells of brain and spinal cord. As myelin sheath is a fatty layer around the nerve cells of central nervous system which provides support and insulation to the nerve cells and helps in conduction of nerve signals through the neurons, their destruction leads to impaired nerve conduction. Gradually, the neurons also gets damaged as there is no myelin sheath for their protection. This destruction of neurons and nerve conduction can lead to muscle weakness and degeneration, blindness, bladder and bowel dysfunction, altered sensation and reflexes as well as psychiatric disorders like depression. It can also lower the life expectancy in the long run.