Which of the following characteristics is common to both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells?

• A. They both provide nutrients to neurons.
• B. They both are found in the central nervous system.
• C. They both are involved in the blood-brain barrier.
• D. They both form myelin sheaths around axons.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells in the nervous system. Oligodendrocytes are found in the central nervous system (CNS), while Schwann cells are found in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
2. Recognize that both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells are involved in the formation of myelin sheaths, which are essential for insulating axons and facilitating rapid transmission of electrical signals.
3. Differentiate between the locations of these cells: oligodendrocytes are located in the CNS, whereas Schwann cells are located in the PNS. This distinction helps eliminate the option that they are both found in the CNS.
4. Consider the function of the blood-brain barrier, which is primarily associated with astrocytes in the CNS, not oligodendrocytes or Schwann cells. This helps eliminate the option related to the blood-brain barrier.
5. Conclude that the common characteristic between oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells is their role in forming myelin sheaths around axons, which is crucial for efficient nerve signal transmission.