Lecture 1 - Cells of the Nervous System Flashcards
How many neurons in our brain? How does this compare to that of a worm?
100 billion vs 302
How many non-neural cells in our brain?
1000 billion
What is the cell theory?
All tissues are composed of microscopic units called cells
Describe multipolar neurons. Where are they found?
They have 2 or more primary neuritic processes on the cell body
CNS
Describe pyramidal neurons. 2 types? What are there functions?
Triangular in shape and very favored.
Functions:
1. Spiny ones encode long-term info
2. Aspinous ones function as interneurons and modulate local information
Where are purkinje cell neurons found?
Cerebellum
Describe bipolar neurons. Where are they found?
Neurons with 2 opposing primary neurites.
Found in retina and inner ear
What are bipolar neurons in the inner ear called?
Hair cells
Describe unipolar neurons. What is their function?
Cell body is segregated from the single primary neurite.
Function as sensory/afferent neurons
What stains are used to stain neurons?
Vital dyes:
- Golgi stain
- Nissi stain
- Weigart stain
What lies below the 6 layers of the cerebral cortex?
Subcortical structures (eg corpus callosum) next to white matter
What are the 3 basic elements of the neuron? Describe their location.
- Perikaryon
- Dendrites at the receiving end
- Axon at the transmitting end
What are the neurites?
Structures that branch off the cell body: dendrites and axon
What are 2 another names for perikaryon?
Cell body = soma
What is another name for neurites?
Processes
What are the different types of dendrites?
- Primary: directly coming off of the soma
- Secondary: branch off primary dendrites
- Tertiary: branch off secondary dendrites
AND SO ON…
How do the dendrites’ diameter change as it gets further from the soma?
Decreases
How many axons do most neurons have?
1
Diameter of dendrite?
Thick/tapered
Length of dendrite: limited or not?
Limited
Branching of dendrites?
Many, acute
Spines on dendrites?
Yes
V-gated ion channels on dendrites?
Less
Diameter of axon?
1 micrometer, uniform
Length of axon: limited or not?
NOPE
Branching of axon?
Few, not acute
Spines on axons?
NOPE
V-gated ion channels on axons?
More
What are considered the antennae of neurons?
Dendrites
How does the diameter of axons and dendrites affect them?
Thicker neurite will allow an AP to propagate more quickly
What determines the length of the axon that goes from the bottom of one’s spinal cord to the end of a toe?
Length of the leg!
What is the function of dendritic spines?
To elaborate postsynaptic surfaces by increasing the surface area to volume ratio of neurons
What is the main component of dendritic spines?
Actin (microfilament)
Is the shape/diameter of dendritic spines critical? For what?
YUP
Critical for higher functioning
How do dendritic spines change with maturation?
They morph into the mature mushroom morphology
Where do we store a lot of info in our neurons?
Mature dendritic spines
3 neuron cytoskeletal elements?
- Microtubules
- Microfilaments
- Neurofilaments
What is another name for neurofilaments?
Intermediate filaments
Microtubules: size?
20 nm
Microfilaments: size?
5 nm
Neurofilaments: size?
10 nm
Microtubules: structure?
Globular tubulin protein which is hollow and longitudinal
Microfilaments: structure?
Actin protein
Neurofilaments: structure?
Long NF proteins
Microtubules: location?
Everywhere EXCEPT axon terminal or dendritic spine
Microfilaments: location?
Throughout