Oligodendrocyte precursors originate from which zones, and when do they begin myelination?

Oligodendrocyte precursors originate from which zones, and when do they begin myelination?

• A. Dorsal horn; early gestation
• B. Ventricular/subventricular zones; late gestation and continues postnatally
• C. Cortical plate; postnatally
• D. Spinal cord dorsal meninges; never myelinate

Answer: (B)

Oligodendrocyte precursors come from the ventricular and subventricular zones that line the developing neural tube. These progenitors migrate into the CNS white matter and differentiate into oligodendrocytes, which then form the myelin sheath around axons. Myelination starts in the late gestational period and continues after birth, with the timing and regional progression varying across the CNS—earlier in some tracts and later in others, often extending into childhood and beyond. This pattern fits the description of precursors arising from the ventricular/subventricular zones and beginning myelination in late gestation with continued postnatal development. Regions like the dorsal horn or cortical plate are not the primary sources of these precursors, and the meninges do not generate myelinating oligodendrocytes.

Oligodendrocyte precursors come from the ventricular and subventricular zones that line the developing neural tube. These progenitors migrate into the CNS white matter and differentiate into oligodendrocytes, which then form the myelin sheath around axons. Myelination starts in the late gestational period and continues after birth, with the timing and regional progression varying across the CNS—earlier in some tracts and later in others, often extending into childhood and beyond. This pattern fits the description of precursors arising from the ventricular/subventricular zones and beginning myelination in late gestation with continued postnatal development. Regions like the dorsal horn or cortical plate are not the primary sources of these precursors, and the meninges do not generate myelinating oligodendrocytes.