NEURO- Building blocks of the nervous system

Question 1

what are the characteristics of nerve cells

Answer 1

generate and transmit electrical signals
communicate with other cells
form complex circuits with one another
physical support and protection - BBB, meninges
defence - microglia - immune cells that have migrated in the brain in early development before barriers form

Question 2

what are the types of glial cells

Answer 2

astrocytes

oligodendrocytes / neurolemmocytes

Question 3

what is the function of astrocytes

Answer 3

control biochemical environment of the nerve cells
instruct the CNS capillaries to form BBB
swaddle nerve cell bodies and dendrites adjusting the concentration of substances in the fluid layer between them
transport substances to and from nerve cells from the capillaries and process them so the cells dont have to

Question 4

what is the function of oligodendrocytes / neurolemmocytes

Answer 4

myelinating glial cells increase the speed of neural signals

plasma membrane of glial cells creates phospholipid thick layer - insulator

Question 5

what is the location of the BBB

Answer 5

around all blood vessels in the brain

Question 6

where are the meninges

Answer 6

around the brain and spinal cord

Question 7

what is the function of the meninges

Answer 7

create tight seal from brain to other parts of the body to prevent unwanted chemicals getting through into interstitial fluids
also offers protections from knocks

Question 8

what is the function of the BBB

Answer 8

brain is energy hungry

capillary cells form tight junctions to prevent the movement of biochemical substances