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Neuroscience > Module 2: The Cells Of The Nervous System > Flashcards

Module 2: The Cells Of The Nervous System Flashcards

1
Q

In 1873 Golgi developed the….

A

Silver stain which allowed a visualisation of the cell processes, what we now know as axons and dendrites.

Golgi believed that neuritis were fused together to form a network.

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2
Q

The brain is a hierarchical structure…

A

Molecules
Cells
Circuits- systems
Behaviour
Cognition

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3
Q

Cajal and
-the neuron doctrine
-dynamic polarisation.
-connectional specificity.

A
  • the neuron doctrine: each neuron is a discrete cell
  • principle of dynamic polarisation: neurons transmit information in a particular direction

-Principle of connectional specificity: particular types of neuron joined with specific neurons in an organised and logical manner.

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4
Q

Electron microscope advantages and disadvantages

A

+ can examine cell ultrastructure

+ confirmed existence of synapse

  • cells must be dead
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5
Q

Immunofluorescence labelling methods

A
  1. Prepare selective antibody tagged with fluorescent label
  2. Add to tissue and allow to bind strongly.
  3. Target protein in tissue.
  4. Wash off any free labeled antibody.
  5. Image distribution of fluorescence, which will correspond to target proteins distribution.

(- limited by range of antibodies available)

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6
Q

Confocal microscopes

A

Involves focusing a laser at different levels in a piece of tissue that’s been labeled with a fluorescent probe.

See where fluorescence is coming from using high sensitivity cameras and imaging software to see 3D images of cells.

This can be used to examine live cells and the physiology, however has a modest resolution.

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7
Q

The Brainbow

A

Genetically modifying an animal so that its cells produce random combinations of up to 4 fluorescent dyes.
Cells will randomly be different colours.
These animals can be used to trace different pathways of individual neurons.

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8
Q

Microscopy resolutions

A

Human eye: 0.1mm
Light microscope: 0.1um
Electron microscope:0.1nm

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9
Q

The two major cell types in the nervous system are….

A
  • Neurons
  • glia
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10
Q

The glia cells…

A

Are the supporting cells of the nervous system as the nervous system has no internal connective tissue.

Were originally thought to be only structural.

Outnumber neurons in some brain areas.

May mediate signalling in the brain

Can divide

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11
Q

The 6 types of glia cells are…

A
  • Ependymal cells
  • Oligodendrocytes
  • Satellite cells
  • Astrocytes
  • Microglia
  • Schwann cells
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12
Q

Glia (Astrocytes)

A
  • found in the largest numbers
  • star shaped
  • fill space between neurons
  • regulate composition of extracellular fluid.
  • have a role in determining how neurons proliferate and
    differentiate in development.
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13
Q

Glia (Oligodendrocytes/ Schwann cells)

A
  • myelinate axons of neurons.
  • Oli…= CNS, many axons

-Schwann= PNS, single axon

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14
Q

Glia (microglia)

A
  • act as brain scavengers

-phagocytic/ immune function.

  • only glia cells that can migrate / are mobile
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15
Q

Glia (Ependymal)

A

-line ventricles, direct cell migration during brain development.

  • produce CSF cerebrospinal fluid
  • ? Reserve cells for regeneration
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16
Q

What causes neurodegenerative disease Alzheimers?

A

Misfolding and accumulation of two proteins: amyloid beta and tau.

Plaques of these proteins found inside and outside the neurons cause damage to neurons and Astrocytes become reactive.

Amyloid beta forms plaques as it is not broken down properly.

Tau accumulates due to hyperphosphorylation.

17
Q

What causes neurodegenerative disease Huntington’s?

A

Involves abnormal movement and cognitive problems.

Inherited condition where there is an extra repeat of amino acid glutamine in the Huntingtin protein.

This causes it to misfold and aggregate.

This can kill neurons and trigger glial cells to become reactive.

18
Q

Neuronal structure.

A
  • Have a cell body (soma/ perikaryon) and two types of processes (neurites): dendrites for specialised receipt of info, axons for specialised transmission of info.
  • cell body with cytosol and organelles including nucleus.
  • cell membrane
  • cannot divide.

-Can trigger action potentials.

  • a neuron is highly polarised
19
Q

Neuronal polarity

A

Physiological:
Axon propagates info while dendrite receives info.

Organelles:
Axons have synaptic vesicles, dendrites have RER ribosomes and Golgi.

Structural:
Axons are long and untapered branch at 90 degrees, dendrites are short tapered and branched.

Specialisations:
Axon is terminal, dendrites are dendritic spines.

Myelination:
Axon is often, dendrites are never.

20
Q

Neuronal structure: organelles

A

Cytostolic organelles:
Peroxisomes, mitochondria

Division at axon hillock:
-synaptic vesicles
-mitochondria
-SER

21
Q

Which have more sodium and potassium channels?
-axons
-dendrites

A

Axons!!

22
Q

Do axons have ribosomes?

A

No,
There are NO ribosomes in axons

23
Q

How are proteins from the cell body moved down into the axon to the nerve terminal?

A

Through the use of components of the neuronal cytoskeleton

24
Q

What are the roles of the neuronal cytoskeleton?

A
  • structural support: shape and calibre of axons and dendrites

-transport cargo to and from axons and dendrites

-tethering of components at membrane surface

25
Q

What are the three types of elements in the neuronal cytoskeleton?

A
  • microtubules
  • neurofilaments
  • actin
26
Q

Microtubules of the neuronal cytoskeleton

A

Role: structure and transport

Run longitudinally down axons and dendrites.

Big, 20nm wide, tubulin polymers.

De/Polymerisation- shape change

(Associated proteins) MAP-2, tau, kinesin, dynein.

27
Q

Neurofilaments of the neuronal cytoskeleton

A

Role: mechanical strength

10nm wide filamentous protein threads

28
Q

Microfilaments of the neuronal cytoskeleton

A

Role: mediate shape change

5nm wide, actin polymers

Tethered to membrane

29
Q

Neuronal classification

A

1 process coming off the cell body= unipolar, sensory neuron

2 processes coming off the cell body= bipolar, inter neuron

Multiple processes coming off the cell body= multipolar, motor neuron

30
Q

Where does the body start an action potential?

A

Axon hillock and initial segment

31
Q

The axon hillock has a very high concentration of sodium channels.
-true
-false

A

True

32
Q

Dendrites have a high density of sodium channels.
-true
-false

A

False.

Dendrites have a low density of sodium channels

33
Q

Schwann cells can promote _______ of axons.

A

Regrowth

34
Q

Dendrites are mostly found in _________ matter

A

Grey.
Dendrites are mostly found in grey matter

35
Q

You foolishly place your finger in a flame. The neurons that send signals about the painful heat to your spinal cord would be termed:
-afferent
-efferent
-interneurons
-motor neurons

A

Afferent neurons

36
Q

Glia and neurons can perform immune functions.
-true
-false

A

False.
Only glia can perform immune functions

Neuroscience (2 decks)

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