Anatomy & Histology · single question
Multiple sclerosis: the oligodendroglia disease that this patient has is classified as:
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Correct answer: A. Autoimmune disease
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath produced by OLIGODENDROCYTES in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. Oligodendrocytes make myelin in the CNS (Schwann cells make myelin in the PNS). MS causes demyelination of CNS white matter, causing various neurological deficits. MS is NOT a peripheral neuropathy — it affects the CNS (brain, spinal cord, optic nerves), not peripheral nerves.
- A. CORRECT. Multiple sclerosis is an AUTOIMMUNE condition in which the immune system targets oligodendrocyte-derived myelin in the central nervous system, causing progressive demyelinating plaques and neurological dysfunction.
- B. INCORRECT. MS is a CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM disease — NOT a peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy affects the peripheral nervous system (Schwann cell-myelinated fibers). Oligodendrocytes are CNS cells — their disease = CNS disease = autoimmune demyelinating disease.
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