Biology Flashcards
Which cells produce myelin?
Oligodendrocytes- CNS, Schwann cells- PNS
Astrocytes
Nourish neurons and form blood-brain barrier (controls transmission of solutes from blood to brain)
Ependymal Cells
produce cerebrospinal fluid (shock absorber and brain support) in ventricles of brain
Microglia
phagocytic cells-ingest and break down waste/pathogens in CNS
Resting Potential
-70 mV, inside of neuron is negative
Equillibrium potential of Na and K
K= -90 mV, Na= 60 mV (balance between chemical concentration gradient and electrostatic forces)
What maintains concentration gradient in neurons
Na+/K+ ATPase- pumps K in and Na out
Axon Hillock importance
All inhibitory (hyperpolarization) and excitatory (depolarizing) signals adds up-summation– if cross threshold, AP triggered
Temporal summation
multiple signals integrated in short period of time
Spatial summation
additive effects based on time and location of signals- soma vs dendrite for example
Absolute refractory period
Absolutely no AP can occur (Na+ channels inactive)- depolarization time- unidirectional impulse propogation
Relative refractory period
AP can occur but requires greater than normal stimulation since hyperpolarization (Na+ channels deactivated)
Describe an AP for me please
Look at an image
Factors that affect the speed of action potential propogation
Increasing length- more resistence, slow conduction
High cross section area= fast propogation, less resistence (more significant than length)
Myelin- insulator- signal only propogates between nodes
Saltatory Conduction
Myelin- insulator- signal only propogates between each Node of Ranvier- saltatory conduction
How does increased intensity of signal affect AP
Doesn’t change potential difference of AP but increases frequency of firing AP
What triggers exocytosis of neurotransmitters?
AP reaches nerve terminal, voltage gated Ca+ channels open. High calcium concentration triggers exocytosis of neurotransmitters
Three mechanisms to remove neurotransmitters from synaptic cleft
Enzymes break it down- ACh (acetocholine)
Reuptake by preenzymatic neuron- serotonin (5-HT) dopamine (DA) , norepinephrine (NE)
Diffusion out of synaptic cleft- nitrous oxide (NO)
Afferent neurons
Sensory neurons- receptors to spinal cord/brain (ascend)
Efferent neurons
Motor neurons- spinal cord/brain to muscles/glands (exit)
Interneurons
Spinal cord/brain- involved in reflexes also
Supraspinal circuita
Information processing is sent to brain/brainstem for processing
White matter
Axons with myelin sheaths
Grey matter
cell bodies and dendrites