Histology of CNS Flashcards
What is something that is unique to neurons, that can be found within their cell body?
Nissl substance/bodies
What is the importance of Nissl substance/bodies?
The stained speckles = ribosomes; It is indicative of their protein synthesis and thus, metabolic activity of the neuron
Can the spines on a dendrite change?
Yes, spines are plastic and will increase their amount if the area is highly receptive. Will also decrease their amount of the area is inactive.
What is a neuropil?
Network of nerve fibers and their branches together with glial processes
What is the correct term for the typical neuron?
Multipolar neuron
What type of neuron has the cell body in the middle and an equal amount of dendrites on each side?
Bipolar neuron
How do you tell which side of the bipolar neuron is the axon?
Direction of signal propagation
Where would you find bipolar neurons?
Retina
Describe the organization of a unipolar neuron
A cell body with single short process, a peripheral process that is longer than the central process
The peripheral process houses the dendrites
The axon includes the peripheral and central processes
What is a unipolar neuron used for?
Sensation
What type of neuron has no axons and thus no signal conduction?
Anaxonic neuron
What protein do gap junctions use in an electrical synapse?
Connexin
What are the types of synaptic transmission?
Axodendritic
Axosomatic
Axoaxonic
Main function of astrocytes?
Establish blood-brain barrier
What special property helps stain the astrocytes?
GFAP (glial fibrillary acid protein)
Main function of ependymal cells?
Facilitate CSF movement! Removes H2O from blood and releases as CSF
What type of cells are ependymal cells?
Simple cuboidal/columnar
What makes up the choroid plexus
Pia mater + ependymal cells
Main function of microglia?
Remove damaged/inactive synapses and microbial invaders - immune response
What do microglia originate from?
Monocytes
Function of oligodendrocytes?
Enwrap axons from MULTIPLE neurons with myelin