Chapter 5.2: Central Nervous System Flashcards
the CNS receives input about external and internal environments from the ___ neurons
afferent
___ cells serve as connective tissue in the CNS.
glial
T/F: glial cells are less branched than normal neurons
true
Discuss glial cell concentration and brain size relationship
densities of glial cells positively correlate with brain size. increase brain size = increase glial density.
2 ways glial cells modulate synaptic function
1) takes up and destroys neurotransmitters
2) invovled in memory and learning.
generally, how do glial cells support the neurons metabolically?
the help maintain the composition of the specialized extracellular environments.
4 Major types of glial cells
1) astrocytes
2) oligodendrocytes
3) ependymal cells
4) microglia
most abundant type of glial cell
astrocyte
which cell helps establish blood brain barrier?
astrocyte
6 roles of astrocytes
1) act as main glue of CNS; maintain proper spatial relationships
2) help establish blood brain barrier
3) important for neural scar formation: help repair brain injuries
4) take up excess K+ from the brain ECF when there is HIGH ACTION POTENTIAL activity
5) enhances synapse formation and modifies synaptic transmission
6) neurotransmitter modulation.
How do astrocytes communicate with other neurons?
through gap junctions.
what is the role of astrocytes during fetal development
guides neurons to proper final destination during featal brain development.
T/F: Astrocytes store glycogen
true
how do astrocytes air in neurotrasmitter modulation?
helps takes up GABA and Glutamate.
Why is it so important that excess ECF K+ is taken up by astrocytes when there is high action potential activity? What happens if there is a deficiency in astrocytes?
- there is excess K+ becuase the Na+/+ATPASE pump is out paced and cannot work fast enough to pump K+ back into the neuron/
- helps maintain proper ion concentration in brain ECF
- prevents cell from getting closer to threshold potential during periods of increase activity.
- astrocytes deficiency linked to epilepsy
how do astrocytes create new synapses?
extensions from astrocytes wedge themselves between pre and post synaptic neurons and has the ability to retract extensions using actin filaments.
also can release a large protein that can trigger synapse formation when stimulated by Ca2+ influx into the cell.
main functions of oligodendrocytes
an oligodendrocyte contains projections which wrap spirally around a section to form a MYELIN. only one oligodendrocyte per neuron.
MS arises due to a deficiency of which type of glial cell?
oligodendrocytes.
Where can you find ependymal cells? What do they do?
Ependymal cells line internal cavities of the vertebrate CNS and brain ventricles.
- forms cerebrospinal fluid
- propels CSF through ventricles using cilia
- acts as neural stem cells: forms both new neurons and glial cells.
Microglia are formed by _____. What are they?
formed by MONOCYTES: type of white blood cell that exits the blood and set up residence as the frontline defense agents in various bodily tissue.
Differences between inactive and active states of microglia
inactive state: microglia appear wispy with radiations of branches. They secrete NERVE GROWTH FACTOR: helps neurons and other glial cells survive and thrive
active state: branches retract and they become MOBILE. the move to affected area and remove foreign invaders or tissue debris by releasing destructive chemicals.
Characteristics of ganglia
1) serves limited regions or segments
2) homogenous mixture of neurons and fibers
3) few interneurons
4) predominately MONOSYNAPTIC
5) all neurons and fivers in ganglia serve a similar function.
4 Major features that protect vertebrate CNS
1) CNS is enclosed by bone structures
2) meninges
3) CSF
4) blood brain barrier.
the brain is enclosed by the ___, the ___ __ surrounds the spinal cord
brain enclosed by cranium
vertebral column surrounds the spinal cord.