neurolemma n : thin membranous sheath around a nerve fiber [syn: neurilemma]

Neurolemma (also neurilemma and sheath of Schwann) is the outermost layer of nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system. It is a nucleated cytoplasmic layer of Schwann cells that surrounds the myelin sheath of axons.

Unlike the axon and the myelin sheath, the neurolemma does not degenerate after a nerve has been cut or crushed; the hollow tube formed by the neurolemma is instrumental in regenerating the nerve fiber. It is important to note that in CNS, axons are myelinated by oligodendrocytes, thus lack neurolemma.

External links

• Histology at dmacc.edu