Nerve

Question 1

List the cell types in the nervous system

Answer 1

neurons
oligodendrocytes
microglia
astrocytes

Question 2

What is a neuron’s function

Answer 2

excitable cell
carry electrical impulse as a result of stimulus in order to cause a response
involved in communication

Question 3

What is an oligodendrocyte’s and Schwann cell’s function

Answer 3

produce myelin for many neurons, in the CNS

schwann - peripheral, myelin only for specific part of neuron

Question 4

What is an astrocyte’s shape and function

Answer 4

control water and ion balance 
star shaped 
provide support 
cell repair 
neurotransmitter uptake

Question 5

What is a microglial cell’s function?

Answer 5

neuronal macrophage

Question 6

list and briefly describe the components of a neuron

Answer 6

soma - cell body - organelles
axon - only one - signal away - myelin
dendrites can have many, highly branched - signal towards soma
unipolar/bipolar/multipolar/pseudo-unipolar

Question 7

explain the process of intracellular communication in nerve cells

Answer 7

synapse
presynaptic neuron 
AP arrives 
VGCC open - Ca ions enter 
Neurotransmitter vesicles fuse pre-synaptic membrane 
enter synaptic cleft 
bind to receptor on post-synaptic membrane
broken down by enzyme 
repackaged in vesicles 
re-enter pre-synaptic clef

Question 8

Explain how a neuron carries a signal for communication

Answer 8

RMP - due to imbalance of ions 
stimulus 
VGSC open, enters 
depolarisation - AP
VGPC open, out - repolarisation - hyperpolarisation 
propagates along 
saltatory conduction