Chapter 3 - Cells, Genes & Behavior Flashcards
Neurons
functional units in NS that enable us to receive info, process & act on it
- nerve cells
- 80 billion
Glial Cells
Neuroglia or Glia
non-neuronal cells that provide multiple support functions
- 100 billion
Nervous System is made up of? (2)
Neurons & Glia
Neurons communicate via?
Electrochemical signals
Nucleus
- (2) definitions
1) structure within cell body containing chromosomes
* house genetic material
2) cluster of similar cells that form functional grouping
* functionally related & densely packed
Properties of Neurons (3)
- continously changing (plasticity)
- making new & losing old connections
- behavior produced by groups of neurons
- most have longevity
- not continuously replaced
Most Neurons have longevity
- (2) exceptions
2 regions:
- Hippocampus
- Olfactory bulb
Neurons: Basic Structure
- (3) main parts
1) Dendrites
2) Soma (cell body)
3) Axon
1) Dendrites
- define
- (3) characteristics
- part(s)
branching extensions of neuronal membrane
- Unmyelinated (few exceptions - somatosensory)
- # per neuron varies
- gathers input (afferent part of neuron)
→ Dendritic Spines
Dendrites are usually unmyelinated
- Exception?
Somatosensory Neurons
1) Dendrites → Dendritic Spines
- function
- location of?
membranous protrusions from dendrite that typically recieve input from single synapse of axon (usual point of contact)
- increase SA
- where most synapses are found
2) Soma (Cell Body)
- contains?
- functions? (2)
- (2) additional points
contains nucleus → genetic material (DNA)
- cellular functions (i.e. protein synthesis)
- processes input → integrates (excitatory & inhibitory)
→to determine whether or not to fire - can have synapses
- connects to axon via axon hillock
Axon Hillock
specialized part of soma that connects to axon
- last site** in soma where **membrane potentials propogated** from **synaptic inputs** are **summated** before being **transmitted** to **axon
3) Axon
→ define
→ (3)
→ components (3)
long, slender projection of neuron that carries msgs to other neurons
- 1 per neuron
- usually myelinated
- occurs with maturation
- sends output (carries info to other cells)
→ Axon Collaterals
→ Nodes of Ranvier
→ Terminal Boutons (Axon Terminals)
Axon → Axon Collaterals
branches of axon
3) Axon → Nodes of Ranvier
gaps between myelin sheaths (uninsulated)
- regenerates AP sent down axon
3) Axon → myelin sheath
- forms when?
- functions (2)
Myelination occurs with maturation
- protects
-
speeds up communication
- allows saltatory (jumping) propogation of AP
Nerve
bundle of axons in PNS
Tract
bundle of axons in CNS
3) Axon
→ Terminal Boutons (Axon Terminals)
distal terminal branches of axon that convey info to other cells
- site where electrical message converted to chemical & sent to next cell
Synapse (Synaptic Cleft)
‘almost connection’ usually between terminal bouton of presynaptic neuron & dendritic spines of postsynaptic neuron
- site of information-transfer
→ permits passing of electrical/chemical signal to another neuron
Types of Neurons (3)
different types of neurons are specialized for different types of functions
1) Sensory
2) Interneuron
3) Motor
Types of Neurons (3)
1) Sensory
- axon
- cell body (soma)
recieves input from sensory receptors & sends to CNS
→ PNS
- axon projects from periphery (dendrites in PNS) to CNS via dorsal root
- cell body in dorsal root ganglion OR sensory cranial nerve ganglia
Sensory Neurons → Somatosensory Neurons
- dendrites
- axon
- soma
brings sensory info from body into spinal cord
- few myelinated dendrites (in PNS) connect directly to axon, which projects into CNS
- soma off to side in dorsal root ganglia (PNS)
Types of Neurons (3)
2) Interneuron
integrates info from sensory neurons & conveys to motor neurons
link sensory & motor neural activity in CNS
Types of Neurons (3)
3) Motor
- cell body
- axon
sends output from CNS to effector organs
→ PNS (lower motor neurons)
- soma & dendrites in CNS (spinal cord & brainstem)
- axon projects into PNS forming spinal/cranial nerves → innervate effector organs
Motor Neurons → Upper vs. Lower
Upper → entirely in CNS & carry motor info to lower MN
Lower → project from spinal cord & innervate effector organs
Specialization of Neurons is reflected in their ___?
Structure, which reflects function
Specialization of Neurons is Reflected in Structure
- (3)
1) # of dendrites
2) Size of Soma
3) length of axon
Types of Neurons → Sensory Neurons
- structure
- function
-
bring info to CNS
- ex) somatosensory
-
few dendrites
- innervate small region to allow greater distinction of touch on different parts of body
Unipolar or Bipolar
Types of Neurons → Interneurons
- function
- structure
- examples (2)
link sensory & motor activity within CNS
axons branch into numerous collaterals
Examples:
- Pyramidal → throughout cortex
- Purkinje → in cerebellum
Interneurons → Pyramidal Cell
pyramid-shaped body
long axon
2 sets of dendrites projecting from apex & sides
Interneurons → Purkinje cells
extremely branched & fan-shaped dendrites
Types of Neurons → Motor Neurons
- function
- structure
send signals from CNS to muscle
axons project from spinal cord/brain forming spinal/cranial nerves
Glia
- provide support to neurons through? (5)
Insulation
Nutrients
Structural Support
Aid in Neuron Repair
Waste Removal
Glia
- Unlike neuron’s characteristic of longevity…
Glia are continuously being replaced
Types of Glia (4)
1) Ependymal Cells
2) Astroglia/Astrocytes
3) Microglia
4) Oligodendroglia & Schwann Cells
Types of Glia (4)
1) Ependymal Cells
- location
- function
found on ventricle walls (within choroid plexus)
produce & secrete CSF
Types of Glia
1) Ependymal Cells
* Hydrocephalus
blockage of CSF (leads to hydrocephalus) → accumulation causing ↑ intracranial pressure
-
obstruction in
- interventricular foramen, cerebral aqueduct or 4th ventricle → non-communicating
- subarachnoid space due to prior bleeding or meningitis → communicating
treatment → 1 end of shunt (tube) inserted into blocked ventricle & other into vein, allowing CSF to drain into blood stream
Types of Glia
2) Astroglia/Astrocytes
- functions (5)
star-shaped cells
-
structural support for CNS
- holds onto BV & neurons
- nutrient & waste bridge between BV & neurons
- part of blood-brain barrier
- feet hold endothelial cells closely
- allow certain substances across
- feet hold endothelial cells closely
- stimulate BV dilation → enhance brain activity
- Form scar to seal damage
Types of Glia
2) Astrocytes/Astroglia
- Scar formation to seal damage
- pros/cons
In acute damage phase → beneficial - seals off damaged area
- prevents cascade events from affecting other neurons (further microbial infections/spread of cellular damage)
In long-term → harmful
- scar tissue prevents regrowth & new connections
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
- definition
- formed by?
- function
highly selective permeable membrane seperating blood from brain’s ECF in CNS
- formed by endothelial cells connected by tight junctions
- encircled by astrocyte feet
- provide biochemical support
- encircled by astrocyte feet
- protect brain from substances in blood
Types of Glia
3) Microglia
originate in blood
-
monitor health of brain tissue → immune system role
- provide growth factors to repair damaged neurons
- phagocytosis - engulf foreign tissue & dead cells
→ drawn to damaged area
Types of Glia → 3) Microglia
- PHAGOCYTOSIS
p[rocess of engulfing foreign tissue & dead cells
Types of Glia
4) Oligodendroglia & Schwann Cells
support & insulate axons
form myelin sheath (glial coating surrounding & insulating axon)
Myelin Sheath
glial coating surrounding & insulating axon
- keeps info localized & distinct