Microanatomy

Question 1

Which type of glial cells are involved in the myelination of axons in the CNS?

Answer 1

Oligodendrocytes

Question 2

Which type of glial cells are involved in the myelination of axons in the PNS?

Answer 2

Schwann cells

Question 3

Explain the function of astrocytes

Answer 3

Regulate the extracellular environment of the brain

Question 4

What is the function of microglia?

Answer 4

Function as phagocytes, they remove neuronal and glial debris

Question 5

Where are ependymal cells found and what is its role?

Answer 5

A type of glial cell that lines the ventricular system of the brain and spinal cord.
(Act as a physical barrier separating brain tissue from CSF)

Question 6

What are glial cells?

What are the 4 classifications of glial cells?

Answer 6

‘Support cells’ within the nervous system classified into;

Astrocytes, microglia, Ependymal cells, oligodendrocytes/Schwann cells

Question 7

What is an axon comprised of?

components of an axon

Answer 7

Axon hillock
Axon proper
Axon terminal

Question 8

What is the difference between afferent and efferent neurons?

Answer 8

Afferent neurons carry info from the periphery towards the brain/spinal cord
Whereas
Efferent neurons carry info away from the brain/spinal cord

Question 9

State the steps involved in a knee-jerk reflex

Answer 9

1- Hammer tap stretches tendon -> stretches sensory receptors in leg extensor muscle
2- Sensory neuron synapses with and excites motor neurons in the spinal cord. sensory neurons excite interneurons.
Interneuron synapse inhibits motor neuron to flexor muscle
3- Motor neuron conducts action potential to synapses on extensor muscle fibres causing contraction
Flexor muscles relaxes (activity of its motor neurons has been inhibited)
4- Leg extends