While cutting wood for his daughter's playhouse, Lee accidentally severed his finger. Fortunately, Lee was quickly rushed to the hospital where his finger was successfully reattached. Lee was eventually able to regain some function and feeling in his once-severed appendage. Which of the following helped to repair the nerve fibers that give Lee the ability to regain function and feeling in his finger?

• A. Glial cells
• B. Schwann cells
• C. Myelin
• D. Oligodendrocytes

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of Schwann cells: Schwann cells are a type of glial cell found in the peripheral nervous system. They are crucial for the repair and regeneration of nerve fibers.
2. Recognize the function of Schwann cells in nerve repair: Schwann cells aid in the regeneration of damaged nerve fibers by forming a regeneration tube that guides the growth of new nerve fibers.
3. Differentiate between Schwann cells and other glial cells: Unlike oligodendrocytes, which are found in the central nervous system, Schwann cells are specifically involved in the peripheral nervous system, which includes nerves in the fingers.
4. Consider the process of nerve regeneration: After an injury, Schwann cells proliferate and secrete growth factors that promote the repair and regrowth of nerve fibers, helping restore function and sensation.
5. Connect the role of Schwann cells to Lee's recovery: In Lee's case, Schwann cells would have facilitated the repair of the severed nerve fibers in his finger, allowing him to regain function and feeling.