Neurons, Glia & Tumours (Task 1)

Question 1

Functions of astrocytes

Answer 1

Most abundant glial cells essential for:
Neuron repair and development
Neurotransmission

Question 2

Functions of oligodendrocytes

Answer 2

Produce myelin which forms myelin sheath

Question 3

Features of axons

Answer 3

Transmit signals AWAY from the cell body
Can be very long
Radius tends to remain constant - doesn’t taper

Question 4

Features of dendrites

Answer 4

Transmit signals TOWARDS the cell body
Short and restricted to small area around cell body
Taper in width

Question 5

How neuron organelle move through the cytoplasm to and from the cell body

Answer 5

Axoplasmic Transport
Anterograde - away from cell body
Retrograde - toward cell body

Question 6

Function and site of unipolar neurons

Answer 6

Sensory Neurons

Found in skin, joints, muscles and organs

Question 7

Function and site of bipolar neurons

Answer 7

Sensory Neurons

Found in retina, olfactory epithelium and ganglia of vestibulocochlear nerve

Question 8

Function and site of multipolar neurons

Answer 8

Motor and Inter Neurons

Found in CNS - mostly cerebral cortex and spine

Question 9

Function and site of pseudounipolar neurons

Answer 9

Sensory Neurons

Found in dorsal root ganglia and cranial nerve ganglia

Question 10

Location of central and peripheral processes

Answer 10

Central between CNS and cell body

Peripheral between PNS and cell body

Question 11

Features of microglia

Answer 11

Macrophage cells of the CNS
First and main line of defence
10-15% of cells in brain

Question 12

Features of ependymal cells

Answer 12

Form the epithelium of the brain ventricles and the spinal column
Produce CSF

Question 13

Myelinated and unmyelinated axon groups

Answer 13

Groups A + B are myelinated

Group C is unmyelinated

Question 14

Cells which myelinate nerves including vestibulocochlear nerve

Answer 14

Schwann cells

Question 15

Common cancers which metastasise to the CNS

Answer 15

Lung, breast, bone, renal, melanoma

Question 16

Potential genetic factors in brain tumours

Answer 16

NF1 - neurofibromas, optic nerve gliomas

NF2 - vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas

Question 17

Signs and symptoms of raised ICP

Answer 17

Headache especially in mornings
Balance and coordination issues
Reduced GCS
Vomiting and Nausea 
Papilloedema 
Dilated and non-reactive pupils 
Cushing's Triad
Back arching 
Cognitive changes

Question 18

Features of Cushing’s Triad

Answer 18

Bradycardia
Hypertension
Decreased Respiration

Question 19

Staging of astrocytoma

Answer 19

1. Pliocytic - low proliferation and seen in children and young adults
2. Diffuse - minimal atypia, young adults, tends to return
3. Anaplastic - mitotis, 30-60 years
4. Glioblastoma - microvascular proliferation and necrosis, 50-70 years

Question 20

Glioblastoma treatment

Answer 20

Radical surgery and steroids
Radiotherapy
Chemo