Fundamentals of NS and Neurophysiology Flashcards
Oct 14
Supporting Cells of PNS and function
Supporting Cells of CNS and function
Schwann Cell: PNS/ myelinates axons of axons in PNS
Satellite Cell: CNS/myelinates cell body (soma) of neurons in PNS
Astrocytes: CNS/ Maintain chemical balance of brain
Microglia: CNS/ Phagocytic, remove foreign micro-orgs and dead tiss.
Ependymal: CNS/ Line epith of brain ventricles and cavities
Oligodendrocytes: CNS/ myelinate axons in CNS
What is a neuron?
Excitable Nerve cell that transmit elec signal
3 main parts of a neuron and their functions
- Dendrite: receptive area/ receives graded potential from axon terminal of another neuron
- Cell Body/Soma: Bio synthetic part of the neuron. Contains the nucleus which makes proteins
- Axon: Transmits elec signal (action potentials) from cell body to another cell. Has the mylelin sheath
Myelin Sheath: About and function
increases conduction rate of impulses/protects & insulates axons
Electrical Disequilibrium: definition
The difference in concentration/charge on either side of the cell membrane by separation of ions.
Graded Potential: Definition and function
Local change in membrane potential that varies w/ the intensity of the stimulus. The more intense the stim, the further the current flows
Action Potential: Definition and function
All or nothing (yes or no) signal that travels along the axon and triggers release of neurotransmitters at the axon terminal
Propagation of an action potential
A positive feedback loop
As voltage gated Na+ channels open, ICF depolarizes which opens more voltage gated Na+ gates, which further depolarizes cell.
Conduction Velocities of Axons
A. Axon Diameter: what does it do re: conduction velocity?
B. Myelin Sheath: what does it do re: conduction velocity?
A. The larger the diameter of the axon, the faster conduction is. The larger the axon diameter the lesser the resistance to elec current
Myelin Sheath: insulates fibers, faster signal conduction, prevents leakage of charge
Nerve Fibers: What are the 3 groups and what are the function and conduction rates of each
Group A Fibers: Large diameter/ Girthly myelinated/ conduct rates: 15- 150 meters p/ second (fastest)
Group B: Intermediate diameter/ lightly myelinated/ conduction rates: 3-15 meters p/sec (second fastest)
Group C: Small unmyelinated. conduction rate 1 meter p/ sec (slowest)
- How are Neurons grouped functionally? What are the 3 types?
According to the direction the impulse travels in relation to the CNS.
The three types are:
1) Sensory/Afferent Neurons
2) Motor/Efferent Neurons
3) Interneurons
Describe each of the 3 Functional type of Neurons and their functions
- Sensory Afferent Neurons: Axons travel toward CNS. Carry impulses toward CNS. Cell bodies located outside CNS (in ganglia). Unipolar
- Motor Efferent Neurons: Axons travel away from CNS. Carry impulses to effectors. Cell bodies located in CNS ( in grey matter). Multipolar
- Interneurons: Located between sensory and efferent neurons and are confined to CNS. Function is integrate information
Synapse: definition
Junction site where neurons communicate/ exchange information.
Presynaptic Neuron vs Post synaptic neuron
Presynaptic: the neuron that is sending the info to the other
Postsynaptic: the neuron that is receiving the info from the previous neuron. Graded potentials happen here.
Axodendritic Synapse
Synapses between axon ending of 1 neuron and dendrites of another.
Axosomatic Synapse
Synapse between axon ending of 1 neuron and cell body (soma) of another
General vs Special Senses of Sensory Division
General Senses: touch, pressure, proprioception, temperature, anything sensed by visceral organs
Special Senses: taste, smell, senses that req special organs (eye, ears)
Axon Hillock: Location and function
Located at end of cell body on neuron.
Function: decides whether action potential will or will not fire. -55 mV threshold required)
Electrical DIsequilibrium
Cells separate ions creating different concentrations on either side of the membrane
Ion Concentration on each side of membrane
(ICF vs ECF) for Na+, K+, Cl-
Na+: in ECF: 140 mM
in ICF: 14mM
(Na+ wants to move from outside cell to inside of cell/ high to low concentration
K+: in ECF: 4 mM
in ICF 140 mM
(K+ wants to move from inside to outside cell/ high to low concentration)
Cl-: in ECF: 110 mM
in ICF: 7 mM
Cl-wants to move from outside to inside the cell (high to low concentration)
Resting Membrane Potential
Potential difference across the membrane. It is -70mV.
It represents a source of potential stored energy.
Concentration Differences of Ions across the membrane are a result of what 3 factor?
- Electrical Attraction by FIXED ANIONS (neg chg proteins inside the cell) that cannot cross the cross membrane
- Resting membrane is more permeable to K+ than to Na+. K+ able to leak out of of cell into ECF
- Active Transport by Na+/K+ ATPase Pump: Actively pumps 3 Na+ out while also pumping 2 K- back in to cell. Requires energy ea time used
Na+/K+ ATPase Pump: function
To maintain resting membrane potential of -70mV & to actively pump 3 Na+ out of cell and actively pump 2 K+ back into cell.
Nerve: Definition
A bundle of Axons
Action potential. What is happening when membrane potential is at -70 mV?
- Resting Membrane Potential
- No gated channels are open
- Membrane Polarized
Absolute Refractory Period
Ensures each AP is a separate all or nothing event.
Na+ inactivation gates closed. Channels can’t respond to new stimulus
What happens when membrane potential is at -55mV?
- AP threshold reached, Axon hillock initiates AP.
- Na+ channels open
- Na+ inactivation gates close 1 mS after Na+ channel opens
- Depolarization/ inside of membrane less negative
- Absolute Refractory Period: happening during depolarization to repolarization on either side