Anatomy:

• Small cell body with few processes.

• Each process wraps around multiple axons in CNS.

• Produces compact myelin (layers of lipid-rich membrane).

• Expresses myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP).

Function:

• Myelinate CNS axons to enable saltatory conduction.

• Increase conduction speed of electrical impulses.

• Provide metabolic support to axons (via monocarboxylate transporters).

• Dysfunction leads to demyelinating diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis).