Final answer:
Oligodendroglia and Schwann cells primarily produce myelin sheaths for axons in the CNS and PNS, respectively, facilitating rapid signal transmission and contributing to nerve repair and regeneration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary function of oligodendroglia and Schwann cells is to produce myelin sheaths that insulate axons, enhancing the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission in the nervous system. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for myelinating multiple axons in the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and the spinal cord, while Schwann cells produce the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Each Schwann cell myelinates only one axon segment, whereas a single oligodendrocyte can myelinate multiple segments of different axons.
Schwann cells are unique to the PNS and not only provide insulation for axons, but also play a role in the repair and regeneration of damaged nerves. Oligodendrocytes, on the other hand, are found in the CNS and can myelinate several axons at once, making them crucial for maintaining proper neural function in the central nervous system.