Obersteiner-Redlich Zone

The Obersteiner-Redlich zone represents the transition point along a nerve between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).¹
- Anatomically, this is where enveloping glial cells (known as oligodendrocytes in the CNS) are replaced by Schwann cells (of the PNS).
Historically, this was thought to be clinically important because vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas) were thought to arise at this zone along the vestibulocochlear nerve.
However, more recent literature suggests that they may actually be located at or adjacent to Scarpa’s Ganglion (also known as the vestibular ganglion).²³

Redlich, Emil. Die Pathologie der tabischen Hinterstrangserkrankung. Fischer, 1897. ↩
Roosli C, Linthicum, Jr. F, Cureoglu S, Merchant S. What Is the Site of Origin of Cochleovestibular Schwannomas? Audiology and Neurotology. 2012;17(2):121-5. ↩
Xenellis J & Linthicum F. On the Myth of the Glial/schwann Junction (Obersteiner-Redlich Zone): Origin of Vestibular Nerve Schwannomas. Otol Neurotol. 2003;24(1):1. ↩

Last updated October 08, 2022