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Cell Biology & Neuroscience > L6: Neurons & Glia > Flashcards

L6: Neurons & Glia Flashcards

Learning Objectives: a) describe the major classes of neurons b) identify the structural characteristics of a prototypical neuron c) understand the principles of convergence and divergence and how they can help to build neural networks d) describe the classes of glia in the PNS and CNS explain how the different functions of glia provide support to the nervous system

1
Q

Define dimers

A

2 molecules that interact with each other

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2
Q

What are monomers of microtubules?

A

alpha & beta tubulin dimers

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3
Q

Structure of neurofilaments

A

Coiled-coil fibre

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4
Q

Monomers of microfilaments

A

Actin dimers

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5
Q

3 features of the neuronal cytoskeleton

A
  1. Microtubule
  2. Neurofilament
  3. Microfilament
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6
Q

2 axonal transport

A

Anterograde transport
Retrograde transport

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7
Q

Which type of axonal transport acts toward the cell body?

A

Retrograde transport

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8
Q

Which type of axonal transport moves towards the synapse?

A

Anterograde transport

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9
Q

What is the motor for retrograde axonal transport?

A

Dynein

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10
Q

What is the motor for anterograde axonal transport?

A

Kinesin

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11
Q

What specialised cells myelinate axons?

A

Specialised glial cells

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12
Q

Define saltatory conduction

A

Myelination speeds up nerve conduction

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13
Q

3 connective sheaths of peripheral nerves

A
  1. Epineurium
  2. Perineurium
  3. Endoneurium
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14
Q

What is the endoneurium?

A

Connective tissue layer surrounding axon & associated Schwann cells

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15
Q

What is the perineurium?

A

Connective tissue layer surrounding groups of axons forming fascicles

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16
Q

What are fascicles?

A

Group of axons bundled

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17
Q

What is the epineurium?

A

Outer layer; connective tissue surrounding a peripheral nerve

18
Q

What is nissl staining ?

A

Stains cell body, especially ER

19
Q

3 classes of neurons

A
  1. Sensory/afferent (in) neurons
  2. Motor/efferent (away) neurons
  3. Interneurons
20
Q

Function of sensory/afferent neurons

A

Send signals towards the CNS

21
Q

Function of motor/efferent neurons

A

Sends signals away from the CNS, into the periphery

22
Q

Function of interneurons

A

Act locally, within the CNS

23
Q

4 Classes of neurons based on structural classification

A
  1. Multipolar
  2. Bipolar
  3. Pseudo-unipolar
  4. Unipolar
24
Q

What is a multipolar neurone?

A

Possesses a single axon & many dendrites

25
Q

What is a unipolar neuron?

A

A neurite extends from the middle of the cell body

26
Q

What is a pseudo-unipolar neurone?

A

No dendrites

27
Q

What is a bipolar neurone?

A

Has 1 dendrite & 1 axon, with a cell body between these two structure

28
Q

3 types of synapses

A
  1. Axo-dendritic
  2. Axo-somatic
  3. Axo-axonic
29
Q

What is a axodendritic synapse?

A

Connection forming between the axon of 1 neuron & the dendrite of another

Many form at dendritic spines

30
Q

What is a axo-somatic neurone?

A

Direct connection between the axon of 1 neuron to the cell body of another neurone

31
Q

What is a axo-axonic synapse?

A

1 neurone projecting its axon terminals onto another neuron’s axon

32
Q

Define post-synaptic density (PSD)

A

Protein dense specialisation attached to the postsynaptic membrane

33
Q

4 types of neuroglia in the CNS

A
  1. Microglia
  2. Astrocytes
  3. Oligodendrocytes
  4. Ependymal Cells
34
Q

2 types of neuroglia in the PNS

A
  1. Satellite Cells
  2. Schwann Cells
35
Q

What are fibrous astrocytes?

A

White matter, support axons

36
Q

What are protoplasmic astrocytes?

A

Grey matter, homeostatic

37
Q

Role of astrocytes

A

Buffering K+ ions, prevent K+ ion build up

38
Q

Role of oligodendrocytes

A

Produce myelin, inhibit axon regeneration in the CNS

39
Q

Role of microglia

A

Immune defence, become phagocytotic when activated

40
Q

Role of ependymal cells

A

Control production & flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

41
Q

Role of schwann cells

A

Myelination of PNS axons

42
Q

Role of satellite cells

A

Structural & metabolic support

Cell Biology & Neuroscience (18 decks)

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