Glial Cells Flashcards
1
Q
What are the types of glial cells?
A
Astrocytes
Oligodendrocytes
Microglia
2
Q
What are the roles of astrocytes?
A
Structural support Nutrition of neurones Re-uptake of neurotransmitters Maintain ionic environment Help form BBB
3
Q
How do astrocytes provide energy for neurones?
A
Astrocytes produce lactate - transferred to neurones
Via glucose-lactate shuttle
4
Q
How do astrocytes reuptake neurotransmitters?
A
Have transporters for transmitters - to keep extracellular concentration low
5
Q
What ion do astrocytes help to buffer?
A
K+
6
Q
How do astrocytes buffer potassium?
A
Take up K+
7
Q
What is the effect of too much K+ in ECF?
A
Could lead to depolarisation
8
Q
What are the roles of the oligodendrocytes?
A
Responsible for myelinating axons
9
Q
How many axons does each oligodendrocyte myelinate?
A
Many
10
Q
What are the roles of the microglia?
A
Immunocompetent cells
- recognise foreign material
- phagocytosis
