Neurons & Glia Flashcards
1
Q
Microglia
A
Major phagocytic cells of the CNS; in response to tissue damage, microglia undergo rapid proliferation to clear debris from the brain
2
Q
Oligodendrocytes
A
Myelin-forming cells of the CNS; each oligodendrocyte may myelinate several nearby axons
3
Q
Schwann cells
A
Myelin-forming cells of the PNS; each Schwann cell myelinates only a single axon
4
Q
Astrocytes
A
Large glia located in the CNS; functions include:
- Reabsorption of K+ from the extracellular space
- Reabsorption of Glutamate and recycling into glutamine
- Functional hyperemia
5
Q
2 mechanisms of functional hyperemia
A
- Active neurons generate NO, which diffuses into blood vessels causing local dilation
- Uptake of glutamate by astrocytes causes release of intracellular stores of arachidonic acid; enzyme P450 catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to EET, which is released and hyperpolarizes nearby arterioles causing a decrease in vascular tone