Final answer:
The combining form 'dendr(o)' in oligodendroglioma refers to 'branches'. Oligodendrocytes, cells with few branches, insulate CNS axons with myelin, crucial for signal conduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combining form dendr(o) in oligodendroglioma means branches. In the context of medical terminology, oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cells in the CNS known for their role in insulating axons with a myelin sheath. The prefix 'oligo-' signifies few, and '-cyte' means cell. Thus, oligodendrocytes are characterized as cells with few branches.
Oligodendrocytes are responsible for providing the myelin insulation for axons in CNS tracts. Each oligodendrocyte extends processes to myelinate multiple axon segments, either from the same or separate neurons. The myelin sheath plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient electrical signal conduction along the nerve cells.