Cells of the nervous system Flashcards
Define neuron
basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system
List morphological subtypes of neurons
pseudounipolar, bipolar, Golgi type I multipolar, Golgi type II multipolar
Give examples of Golgi type I multipolar neurons
pyramidal cells of cerebral cortex, purkinje cells of cerebellum, anterior horn of spinal cord, retinal ganglion cells
Give an example of Golgi type II multipolar neurons
stellate cells of cerebral cortex/cerebellum
State functions of interneurons
modification, coordination, integration, facilitation, inhibition of sensory input
What determines the diversity in neuronal processes?
location and function
What is the function of the spines on dendrites?
receives majority of synapses
What is the function of a dendrite?
reception of incoming information
What is the function of the axon?
conduction of impulses away from cell body (output)
What are the functions of a neuron?
information processing unit, generation and conduction of electrical signals, chemical communication between one another
Why is a highly developed cytoskeleton required for neurons?
important in determination of axon caliber
Which cytoskeletal components are present in the neuron?
microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules
List the types of synapses
axo-dendritic, axo-somatic, axo-axonic
Which type of synapse is inhibitory?
axo-somatic
Which type of synapse is excitatory?
axo-dendritic
Which type of synapse is modulatory?
axo-axonic
List the main classes of neuroglia
astroglia, oligodendrogllia, microglia, ependymal cells, Schwann cells, satellite glia
List functions of astroglia
scaffold for neuronal migration and axon growth, formation of blood brain barrier, transport of substances from blood to neurons, segregation of neuronal processes, removal of neurotransmitters, synthesis of neurotrophic factors, neuronal-glial and glial neuronal signalling, buffering of potassium ions, glial scar formation
What is the function of oligodendroglia?
formation and maintence of myelin sheath in CNS
What is the role of the microglia?
neuronal macrophage (immune surveillance), tissue modelling, synaptic stripping
Where are microglia derived from?
bone marrow during early development
Give an example of a peripheral glila and its function
Schwann cell - formation and maintenance of myelin sheath in PNS, axon regeneration
How may astroglia-astroglia signalling achieved?
presence of gap junctions
