Which type of Schwann cell wraps around axons to form myelin sheaths?

Myelinating Schwann cells are specialized cells that wrap around axons in the peripheral nervous system to form myelin sheaths. Myelin sheaths are crucial for the rapid transmission of electrical signals along nerve fibers. These cells produce myelin, which is a fatty substance that insulates the axon and increases the speed of action potentials through a process known as saltatory conduction.

In contrast, nonmyelinating Schwann cells do not form myelin sheaths and instead support unmyelinated axons. The terms "motor" and "sensory" Schwann cells do not accurately describe the type of cell responsible for myelination. While Schwann cells can be associated with either motor or sensory neurons, it is the myelinating Schwann cells that specifically create the myelin sheath essential for efficient neural function. Thus, the correct answer is myelinating Schwann cells, as they play the crucial role in forming the protective and insulating myelin sheath around the axons.