neurons

Question 1

properties of electrical synapses

Answer 1

Rare in mammalian nervous systems. bi-directional, can only cause excitation, fast (not energy dependent). Made up of gap-junctions.

Question 2

types of receptors

Answer 2

1. Channel-linked
2. Enzyme-linked
3. G-protein coupled
4. Intracellular

Question 3

mechanism of LTP

Answer 3

sufficient activation (sustained) removes Mg2+ blocking channel of NMDA receptor which allows calcium to enter cell. Ca2+ then increases AMPA receptor expression (that lets in Na+ for cell depolarisation)

Question 4

Function of Schwann cells

Answer 4

Surround axons in PNS, responsible for myelination
Participate in repair

Question 5

neuroglia in peripheral NS

Answer 5

Schwann cells (myelination)
Satellite cells (around ganglia cell bodies)

Question 6

what are glia

Answer 6

non-neuronal cells (i.e. not nerves) of the brain and nervous system but come from neuroprogenitor cells (radial glia/ neuroepithelial cells) EXCEPT microglia which come from hemopoietic stem cells

Question 7

Neuroglia in CNS

Answer 7

Oligodendrocytes (myelination)
Astrocytes (blood-brain barrier)
Microglia (cleaning)
Ependymal cells (cerebrospinal fluid)

Question 8

Function of Oligodendrocytes

Answer 8

Myelination in CNS
Provide structural framework

Question 9

Function of Astrocytes

Answer 9

Maintain blood-brain barrier
Structural support
Regulation conc of ions, nutrients & gases
Absorb & recycle neurotransmitters
Form scar tissue post injust

Question 10

Function of Microglia

Answer 10

Remove cell debris, waste & pathogens via phagocytosis

Question 11

Role of Ependymal cells

Answer 11

Line ventricles in brain & central canal in spinal cord
Produce, circulate & monitor cerebrospinal fluid