Cells of the CNS Flashcards
Name the glial cells
Astrocytes
Oligodendrocytes
Microglia
Ependymal cells
What cells make 20-40% of glial cells
Astrocytes
What is the role of astrocytes
Metabolic support
Regulation of extracellular fluid
Uptake of neurotransmitters e.g. glutamate
Modulation of synaptic transmission
What cells store glycogen and lactate
Astrocytes
What is the role of oligodendrocytes
Insulate axons in CNS
1 oligodendrocyte can myelinate up to 50 axonal segments
What cell makes up 10-15% of all cells
Microglia
What is the origin of glial cells
Ectodermal origin
EXCPET microglia - mesodermal origin
What is the origin of microglia
Mesodermal
What is the role of microglia
Resident immune system of the brain
Activated in response to tissue damage
Capacity to recognise foreign antigens
Initiate phagocytosis to remove foreign materials
Antigen-presenting cells
What are the resident immune system of the brain
Microglia
What is ependyma
Thin lining of ventricular system of the brain and spinal cord
What is the role of ependymal cells
Production of CSF
