Cells Of The Nervous System Flashcards
Neurons
Cells of the nervous system that are specialized for the reception, conduction, and transmission of electrochemical signals.
Multipolar Neuron
A neuron with more than two processes extending from its cell body.
Unipolar Neuron
A neuron with one process extending from its cell body.
Bipolar Neuron
A neuron with two processes extending from its cell body.
Interneurons
Neurons with short axons or no axons at all, who’s function is to integrate neural activity within a single brain structure.
Nuclei
The DNA-containing structures of cells; also, clusters of neuronal bodies in the central nervous system (singular nucleus).
Ganglia
Clusters of neural cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system (singular ganglion).
Tracts
Bundles of axons in the central nervous system.
Nerves
Bundles of axons in the peripheral nervous system.
Glial cells
Several classes of non-neural cells of the nervous system, whose important contributions to nervous system function are just starting to be understand.
Oligodendrocytes
Glial cells that myelinated axons of the central nervous system; also known as oligodendroglia.
Myelin
A fatty insulating substance found in the extensions of glial cells.
Myelin sheaths
Coverings on the axons of some CNS neurons that are rich in myelin and increase the speed and efficiency of axonal conduction.
Schwann cells
The glial cells that compose the myelin sheaths of PNS axons and promote their regeneration.
Microglia
Glial cells that respond to injury or disease by engulfing cellular debris and triggering inflammatory responses.
