The cells being damaged in multiple sclerosis are oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for producing the myelin sheath that insulates and protects nerve fibers in the central nervous system. When these cells are damaged in multiple sclerosis, it leads to demyelination, causing disruptions in nerve signal transmission.
The destruction of oligodendrocytes in multiple sclerosis results in impaired communication between nerve cells, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, and other neurological problems associated with the condition.
Damage to oligodendrocytes can be a key factor in the development and progression of multiple sclerosis, highlighting the importance of these cells in maintaining the proper functioning of the nervous system.
