Glia cells

Question 1

Glia function

Answer 1

• Modulating neuronal
activity

* Generating myelin sheets
* Aiding recovery from neuronal injury
* Providing an interface between the brain and immune system

Question 2

different types of glia cells

Answer 2

1. Radial glia: progenitor of neurons and glia
2. Astrocytes
3. Microglia
4. Oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC)

Question 3

Astrocytes

Answer 3

Astrocytes are the most numerous cell type within the central nervous system (CNS) and perform a variety of tasks, from axon guidance and synaptic support, to the control of the blood brain barrier and blood flow

Question 4

Astrocytes are very important for the glutamate metabolism of the nervous system

how does it function?

Answer 4

1. pick up the glutamate from the synapse using the EAAT (excitatory amino acid transporter), hence terminate glumatergic synaptic transmission
2. transform glutamate into glutamine, and transfer it back to neurons, hence replenishing neurons with glutamate

Question 5

Oligodendrocyte functions

Answer 5

1. assembly of myelin
2. metabolic support of axons
3. K+ buffering

Question 6

Microglia

Answer 6

Microglia are brain resident macrophages

They play important role for immune surveillance in the adult CNS but also contribute to neuronal development

Question 7

Ependymal cells

Answer 7

located at the surface of the brain ventricle

They play a critical role in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homeostasis, brain metabolism, and the clearance of waste from the brain