Neuroanatomy Flashcards
Name the 3 main types of glia cells
Astrocysts
Microglia
Oligodendrocytes
What is the function of the astrocysts?
They are cellular extensions that interact with synapses and blood vessels.
They control composition of extracellular space to allow neuronal function.
They form scar tissue after injury
What is the function of microglia?
They are brain macrophages, protect the brain from infection by clearing infections and debris.
What is the function of oligodendrocytes?
They are cellular extension from insulating myelin sheath to allow rapid nerve conduction.
Name and state the cause of the two types of neural lesion/dysfunction
Caused by white matter: interrupted axonal conduction
Caused by grey matter: Death of neurons
What is the difference between white matter and grey matter?
Grey matter contains the cell bodies, dendrites and axon terminals of neurons.
White matter is composed of the myelinated axons that connect the grey matter
Name the diseases and causes primarily affecting white matter:
Multiple sclerosis: CNS inflammatory and demyleination
Paraplegia: distal degeneration of spinal cord tracts
Neuropathies: distal degeneration or demyleination of peripheral nerve
Name the diseases and causes primarily affecting grey matter:
Motor neuron disease: spinomuscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Cerebellar diseases: spinocerebellar ataxias
Huntingdons/Parkinsons disease: Basal ganglia
Alzheimer: Temporal/frontal lobe diseases
In the brain, what is the name for the membranes and the three layers comprising of them
Meninges:
Pia, arachnoid, dura mater
What are the correct terms for the crests and the grooves on the surface of the brain?
Crests: Gyia
Grooves: Sulci
What is the most abundant type of cell-body in the corpus callosmun
Oligodendrocytes
