Chapter 2 Flashcards
Neurons and Glia
Basic functional unit of the nervous system. Integrates sensory information. Modulates peripheral activity
Neuron
Supports cells of the brain. Provides insulation and nourishment to neurons
Glia
Major site for protein synthesis
Rough Endoplasmic reticulum
Made of segments of tubulin. Polymerization regulated by microtubule associated proteins (MAPs)
Microtubule
Made of actin. Forms a mesh web along the membrane
Microfilaments
Very strong. Not hollow
Neurofilaments
Unique to neurons. Unique composition. Specialized to carry information over distances. No rough ER. Few free ribosomes
Axon
ATP dependent. Anterograde transport (Soma to Terminal)
Kinesin
Retrograde Transport (Terminal to Soma)
Dynein
Receives information from other neurons via synapses
Dendrites
Long axons that go from one area to another
Golgi Type I
Short axons that make local projections
Golgi Type II
Most numerous glia in the brain. Fills spaces between neurons
Astrocytes
Insulates axons
Myelinating Glia
Region where the axonal membrane is exposed
Node of Ranvier
Line the fluid filled cavities within the CNS (ventricles). Contributes to the formation of cerebral spinal fluid
Ependymal Cells
Immune cell of the CNS. Acts as a phagocyte to remove debris left by dead or degenerating neurons and glia. Becomes active during an active infection in the CNS
Microglia
Microscopic study of the structure of tissues
Histology
Uses antibodies to target a specific protein (a second antibody is used to visualize the protein)
Immunohistochemistry
A gene encoding a fluorescent protein is introduced under the control of a cell type/protein specific gene promotor
Genetic labeling
