Cells of the nervous system

Question 1

What are the 2 major cell types of the nervous system?

Answer 1

Neurones and Glial cells

Question 2

What are glial cells function/role in the body?

Answer 2

Non-neuronal cells which maintain homeostasis
Form myelin
Provides support and protection for neurones

Question 3

What are the 5 major types of glial cells + brief description of role

Answer 3

Astrocytes - managing brain environment
Oligodendrocytes - form myelin sheath on axons in CNS
Schwann cells - form myelin in PNS, allows axon potentials to propagate quicker
Microglia - brains immune system
Ependymal cells - make up membrane called ependyma (thin membrane lining central canal of spinal cord + ventricles)

Question 4

What is the ‘white matter’ in the brain?

Answer 4

Myelin (sheath) insulates many neurones and is made of fat and proteins (white). Parts of brain which are made up of many axons are therefore white.

Question 5

What is ‘grey matter’ in the brain?

Answer 5

Areas of brain containing cell bodies of neurones (nuclei, ganglion, cortex) appear pink in fresh tissue, but grey in perfused