Walsh & Hoyt: Oligodendroglial Tumors

Oligodendroglia are present throughout the CNS and assume three forms, all of which contain small, dark nuclei similar to those of lymphocytes. Perineuronal satellites of oligodendroglia are commonly clustered around the medium-sized, pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex, the large cells of the basal ganglia, and the large motor cells of the brainstem nuclei, precentral cortex, and anterior horns of the spinal cord. They are not seen adjacent to Purkinje cells. Interfascicular oligodendroglia are the most numerous cells in the white matter, and lie in rows of closely apposed nuclei between the myelinated fibers. Finally, perivascular satellites of oligodendroglia are found in the vicinity of blood vessels.