HISTOLOGY LAB: NERVOUS TISSUE

Question 1

What are the two main components of nervous tissue?

Answer 1

Neurons and neuroglia (glial cells).

Question 2

What is the primary function of neurons?

Answer 2

Computation and communication (sensation and reactions to stimuli).

Question 3

How do neurons communicate with target cells?

Answer 3

By being electrically active and releasing chemical signals.

Question 4

Where can neurons be found?

Answer 4

In both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Question 5

What role do neuroglia (glial cells) play in nervous tissue?

Answer 5

They provide support for neurons, allowing them to perform their functions.

Question 6

Define stimuli in the context of nervous tissue.

Answer 6

Anything that causes an action or response.

Question 7

What is tropism?

Answer 7

A response to light.

Question 8

What type of neuron has one process extending from the cell body?

Answer 8

Unipolar neuron.

Question 9

Identify the type of neuron with two major processes (axon and dendrite).

Answer 9

Bipolar neuron.

Question 10

What is a multipolar neuron?

Answer 10

A neuron with more than two processes (one axon and multiple dendrites).

Question 11

What is a pseudounipolar neuron?

Answer 11

A neuron with two major processes that are fused, found in spinal and cranial nerve ganglia.

Question 12

What is the role of the cell body (soma) in a neuron?

Answer 12

It serves as the life support center for the neuron.

Question 13

What function do dendrites serve in neurons?

Answer 13

They receive messages from other cells.

Question 14

What is the function of axons?

Answer 14

They pass messages (neural impulses) from one neuron to another or to an effector cell.

Question 15

How does the myelin sheath affect neural impulses?

Answer 15

It covers the axon and speeds up the transmission of impulses.

Question 16

What do terminal branches of the axon do?

Answer 16

They form junctions with other cells to transmit signals.

Question 17

What is the axon hillock?

Answer 17

The part of the neuron that sums up all signals received before passing them on.

Question 18

What is the function of the Node of Ranvier?

Answer 18

It propagates electrical signals by allowing the entry and exit of ions.

Question 19

What role do synaptic end bulbs play in neuron communication?

Answer 19

They store neurotransmitters which are released into the synaptic cleft to transmit impulses.

Question 20

What type of glial cell myelinates axons in the CNS?

Answer 20

Oligodendrocytes.

Question 21

What is the role of astrocytes in the nervous system?

Answer 21

They maintain the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the environment for neurons.

Question 22

What function do microglia serve?

Answer 22

They engulf foreign materials and provide immunity in the nervous system.

Question 23

What is the role of ependymal cells?

Answer 23

They produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the hollow cavities of the brain.

Question 24

What are Schwann cells responsible for?

Answer 24

Myelination and support of axons in the peripheral nervous system.

Question 25

What do satellite cells do in nervous tissue?

Answer 25

They supply nutrients to surrounding neurons and help regulate their environment.