Histology and Pathology of Nervous Tissue

Question 1

What are the functions of Schwann cells other than myelination?

Answer 1

separation of other axons
physical support
metabolic support

Question 2

Why is white matter darkly staining?

Answer 2

It contains the axons of neurones and so therefore contains myelin which stains darkly

Question 3

What are nissl bodies?

Answer 3

Large granular body found in cell body of neurones, neurones made up of RER and ribosomes, site of protein synthesis

Question 4

What is the perikaryon?

Answer 4

neurone cell body

Question 5

What are the various connective tissue layers surrounding an axon?

Answer 5

endoneurium - surrounds axons and schwann cells
perineurium - surround fascicles (bundle of axons)
epineurium - bundles up several fascicles, contains adipose tissue and blood vessels

Question 6

What structural components does anterograde transport involve?

Answer 6

microtubules, motor proteins called kinesins

Question 7

What are the three types of neurones?

Answer 7

bipolar - sight, smell, balance
pseudounipolar - sensory neurones
multipolar - motor neurones

Question 8

What are 4 types of glial cells in the CNS?

What are their functions?

Answer 8

microglia - immune defence, phagocytic
oligodendrocytes - myelin sheath
astrocytes - metabolic exchange between neurones and blood, BBB
ependymal cells - line ventricles and vertebral canal, cilia

Question 9

What are 2 types of glial cells in the PNS?

Answer 9

Schwann cells - myelin

Satellite cells - support for cell bodies

Question 10

Why do neurones have such high requirements for ATP?

Answer 10

Synthesising proteins e.g. NT’s

Long, anterograde/retrograde transport