CTB - Week 1

Question 1

What are ependymal cells

Answer 1

• CNS Neuroglial cell, resemble simple ciliated columnar epithelial cells with microvilli on apical surface
• Secrete CSF and cilia help circulate
• Linked together by gap junctions
• Line the ventricular system and spinal cord
• Help Brain-CSF barrier

Question 2

What are astrocytes

Answer 2

• CNS neuroglial cell
• Processes envelop synapses, foot-processes wrap around brain blood vessels
• Release chemicals that alter blood flow
  Star-like
• Provide scaffolding for neurons, structural support
• Take up NTs from synapse
• Remove K+ from microenvironment around neurons
• Communicate with each other via gap junctions

Question 3

What are oligodendrocytes

Answer 3

• CNS neuroglia cell
• Wrap processes around axons, myelinate up to 50 axons
• Secrete trophic factors, including Brain neurotrophic factors and IGF-1

Question 4

What are microglial cells

Answer 4

• CNS neuroglia cells
• Act as scavenger cells and phagocytose plaques and damaged neurons and synapse
• Have unique K+ channels that respond to small changes in interstitial [K+]
• Apoptosis when response not needed anymore

Question 5

What are Schwann Cells

Answer 5

• Principal glial cells of PNS
• Disruption of their metabolism results in nerve degeneration
• Wrap their cell membranes around axons, only myelinated one axon
• Key role in regeneration after injury

Question 6

What are Satellite cells

Answer 6

• PNS neuroglia cell
• Surround cell bodies of neurons in sensory, sympathetic, parasympathetic ganglia
• Help control microenvironment around neurons
• Function in PNS like astrocytes of CNS
• Thought to play role in chronic pain
• Have gap junctions

Question 7

What neuroglia anchor neurons + capillaries together to hold neurons close to nutrient supply. Form barrier between neurons + capillaries to help regulate chemical env around neurons

Answer 7

Astrocytes

Question 8

What neuroglia engulf microorganisms and dead neural tissue in CNS

Answer 8

Microglia

Question 9

What neuroglia in CNS Lines ventricles of brain and central canal of spinal cord. Important for production, absorption and circulation of CSF

Answer 9

Ependymal cells

Question 10

What neuroglia in CNS produce myelin sheaths that wrap around and insulate nerve fibres, speeding conduction of electrical signals

Answer 10

Oligodendrocytes

Question 11

What is a tract?

Answer 11

A bundle of axons that connect one part of brain with another. Form the white matter of the CNS/ in PNS known as nerve

Question 12

What makes up the cerebellar cortex?

Answer 12

Grey matter

Question 13

The cell bodies of somatic motor neurons lie in which horn of the SC?

Answer 13

Anterior Ventral horn

Question 14

What runs through the central canal?

Answer 14

Cerebrospinal fluid - longitudinally along SC