Neuro Flashcards
Describe the structure and function of a dendrite
Tree like branching with dendritic spines (short processes from branches) which increase the dendrite surface area. Dendrites typically carry nerve impulses to the cell body.
Describe the structure and function of an axon
Long cylindrical processes commencing at the axonal hillock and terminating by successive branching. They transmit impulses from the cell body. They are involved in slow transport of cytoskelal elements (axoplasmic flow) and fast transport of mitochondria and vesicles (by microtubules)
What is axodendritic
A synaps between an axon of one neuron and and a dendrite of another
What is axosomatic
The synaps between the cell body of one neuron and the axon terminal of another
What is axoaxonic
The synaps between an axon terminal of neuron and an internal axon segment or an axon terminal of another nerve cell
What are the two types of astrocytes?
Fibrous astrocytes-present in white matter, made up of long, thin processes with some branches.
Protoplastic astrocytes-present in grey matter, short, greatly branched processes.
What are the functions of astrocytes?
It’s end feet form glial limiting membranes (part of the blood brain barrier), they function in structural support
Source of energy (store glycogen and release glucose)
Regulate water
Regulate ion balances
Scavenge neurotransmitter molecules
Antigen presenting to T cells
Proliferate to form glial scars
What is the function of oligodendrocyte?
Produces myelin sheath around axons
What is the function of ependymal cells?
They regulate the movement of fluid, ions, and micro molecules between the CSF and neurophil
They line the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord
What is the function of microglial cells?
They are phagocytic and proliferate if the CNS is damaged
