Neurons & Glial Cells Flashcards
What are dendritic spines?
tiny protrusions from dendrites form contacts with axons of other neurons
What are the different types of dendritic spines?
filopodia, long thin, thin, stubby, mushroom, branched
Why are there different types of dendritic spines?
they align with different contact points on axons
What do scaffold proteins do in synapses?
organize the synapse, keep the shape
Where is the longest axon in your body located?
the leg
What are the features you can use to distinguish between neurons?
degree of convergence (means number of inputs, related to branching of dendrites)
degree of divergence (means number of outputs, realted to branching of axons)
shape of cell body/branches
What are some neuron types that we went over in class?
pyramidal, spiny stellate, bitufted, double bouquest, small and large basket, chandelier, purkinje
What is the physical difference between filopodia and long thin?
filopedia is greater than 2 micrometers, long thin is less than 2 micrometers but more than 1
What do molecular markers allow for?
distinguish neurons from each other
Molecular markers are by the expression of?
calcium binding, proteins, and neuropeptides
Aside from appearence and molecular markers how can neurons be identified?
distinct activity patterns, which can be recorded by single neurons
What does fast spiking look like?
a lot of spikes really close together for the entire duration
What does chattering look like?
groups of spikes with space between them
What does intrinsically bursting look like?
group of spikes and then normal spiking for rest
Do interneurons have axons?
yes, local ones have short ones and relay ones have long ones
What is the function of astrocytes?
homeostasis, regeneration, can act as stem cells
What is the function of oligodendrocytes?
myelinate many axons at same time in CNS
What is the function of schwann cells?
myelinate 1 axon in the PNS
What is the function of microglial cells?
macrophages of nervous system, remove debris from cell injury
What do macroglia cells include?
astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and glioblasts (85% of cells)
What is the function of ependymal cells?
form an epithelial layer that lines the ventricles and central canal of the brain and spinal cord respectively
What is the vascular function of pericytes?
regulation of cerebral blood flow, maintenance of BBB, control of vascular development, and angiogenesis (form new blood vessels)
What does pericyte dysfunction contribute to?
progression of vascular diseases (stroke) and neurodegenerative diseases (alzheimers)
What is the function of satellite glial cells?
provide structure, nutrients, interact with neuroactive chemicals
