Cells of the Nervous System

Question 1

What are neurones?

Answer 1

-non-dividing excitable cells

BUT recent studies have shown that some neurones can divide

Question 2

What are the 3 types of the multipolar cells?

Answer 2

(have numerous projections from cell body)

• Pyramidal cells- ‘pyramid’ shaped cell body
• Purkinje cells- GABA neurones found in the cerebellum
• Golgi cells- GABA neurones found in the cerebellum

Question 3

What is the soma?

Answer 3

• cell body or perikaryon
• contains nucleus & ribosomes
• contains neurofilaments- important for structure and transport

Question 4

Tell me about the axon.

Answer 4

• sending signals
• long process (nerve fibre) originating from soma
• can branch into ‘collaterals’
• usually covered in myelin

Question 5

Tell me about dendrites

Answer 5

• receiving signals from other neurones

- highly branched cell body NOT covered in myelin

Question 6

What is the most abundant cell in the CNS?

Answer 6

Astrocytes

more astrocytes than there are neurones

Question 7

Tell me about astrocytes.

Answer 7

• able to proliferate
• have foot processes

Functions:

• Structural: creating the BBB
• Cell repair- make neurotrophic factors which are important for the growth and maintenance of neuronal cells and astrocytes themselves
• Homeostasis- neurotransmitter removal and reuptake

Question 8

What are the myelin-producing cells?

Answer 8

Oligodendrocytes & Schwann cell

Question 9

Tell me about oligodendrocytes.

Answer 9

• glial cells producing myelin for CNS

- one oligodendrocyte myelinated many axons

Question 10

Tell me about Schwann cells.

Answer 10

• produce myelin for PNS

- one schwann cell myelinated one axon segment

Question 11

What are microglial cells?

Answer 11

• perform immense functions in the CNS

- specialised neuronal macrophages

Question 12

What are ependymal cells?

Answer 12

• epithelial cells line the fluid filled ventricles

- regulate the production and movement of the cerebrospinal fluid CSF

Question 13

lecture slides

Answer 13

https://imperiallondon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jmoss1_ic_ac_uk/Documents/Bioregulatory%20Systems/01.%20Neurology%20%26%20neuroscience/Student%20resources/Neuro_LE02_Cells_of_the_nervous_system_and_neuromuscular_junction.pdf?&originalPath=aHR0cHM6Ly9pbXBlcmlhbGxvbmRvbi1teS5zaGFyZXBvaW50LmNvbS86YjovZy9wZXJzb25hbC9qbW9zczFfaWNfYWNfdWsvRWZ1SmdzTFR2ZUZBc1czVVI4RTdaRzhCeW85MFdCM19fbVJSOV9MckZ0djJqZz9ydGltZT1wTjcxUGJHTTEwZw