Neurons/Glia (1)

Question 1

what is a neuron

Answer 1

specialized cell type that receives, processes, and sends information

Question 2

what is a nerve

Answer 2

axons of individual neurons in bundles or strands of many axons

Question 3

what are the major parts of a neuron

Answer 3

soma, dendrites, axons, myelin sheath, nodes of ranvier, presynaptic terminals, axon hillock (where axon connects to the soma)

Question 4

what are the two main stains and their differences

Answer 4

nissl stain: only shows cell body

golgi stain: shows axons and dendrites

Question 5

what are the different neuron types according to structure

Answer 5

multipolar: more than 2 neurites
bipolar: 2 neurites
pseudounipolar: 1 neurite

Question 6

what are the different neuron types according to function

Answer 6

sensory: bring info to the CNS
interneurons: associate sensory and motor activity in CNS
motor: send signals rom CNS to muscles

Question 7

what is a synapse

Answer 7

specialized junction where one part of a neuron contacts/communicated with another neuron or cell type

Question 8

what is the difference between an electrical synapse and a chemical synapse

Answer 8

electrical: direct transfer of ionic current; fast
chemical: pre and post synaptic structures employing chemicals to transfer information; slower

Question 9

what are the different glial cells and their functions

Answer 9

oligodendrocytes; myelin sheath in the CNS
schwann cells; myelin in the PNS
astrocytes; structural/functional support
microglia; immune support