Basic Neuroanatomy 1 Flashcards
What are the three main types of cytoskeletal elements in neurons?
Microfilaments, neurofilaments (intermediate filaments), and microtubules.
What is the primary role of microfilaments in neurons?
They provide structural support, shape, and facilitate movement, such as dendritic remodeling for learning and memory.
How do microtubules contribute to axonal transport?
They serve as tracks for molecular motors like kinesin (orthograde transport) and dynein (retrograde transport) to move materials.
What are the two types of molecular motors, and what are their directions of transport?
Kinesin: orthograde (toward terminals).
Dynein: retrograde (toward the cell body).
Name the four types of neuroglia in the central nervous system (CNS).
Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells.
What is the function of astrocytes in the CNS?
They provide structural support, guide neuronal development, buffer extracellular ions, regulate neurotransmitters, and form the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB).
What role do oligodendrocytes play in the nervous system?
They myelinate multiple axons in the CNS, providing insulation for faster signal transmission.
How does the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) maintain CNS stability?
It selectively permits small molecules like glucose and essential amino acids while blocking large proteins and cells.
What is the function of microglia in the nervous system?
They act as specialized macrophages, responding to infection or tissue damage through immune activity and phagocytosis.
Compare the roles of Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes in myelination.
Schwann cells myelinate single axons in the PNS, while oligodendrocytes myelinate multiple axons in the CNS.
What are the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Fatigue, loss of coordination, numbness, blurred vision, blindness, and paralysis.
What is the primary difference between the CNS and PNS neuroglia?
CNS neuroglia include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells.
PNS neuroglia include Schwann cells and satellite cells.
What is the main role of ependymal cells?
They line the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord and help produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
What neurological disorder is associated with the destruction of CNS myelin?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
