Oligo-dendro-cyte (small -- tree-like -- cell)
Oligodendrocytes are glial cells of the CNS and their primary function is to wrap layers of myelin around an axon. In fact, one oligodendrocyte is easily able to wrap several axons at the same time by extending some of its "branches." It is important to note that only mature oligodendrocytes are able to myelinate and that is due to the presence of a protein known as Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) within the oligodendrocyte. In the first stage of oligodendrocyte development, it will be called an oligodendrocyte precursor cell. These precursor cells are similar to stem cells and are able to differentiate into several mature forms. However, an oligodendrocyte precursor cell will specifically become an oligodendrocyte in the final stage.
Under a high power microscope, an oligodendrocyte will appear to be circular with fibrous branches extending from its body.
Damage to the oligodendrocytes can lead to fatal diseases which includes Multiple Sclerosis, a demyelinating disease. Another disease linked to a low oligodendrocyte count is Cerebral Palsy.