Physiology Flashcards
the neuron is made up of which several components?
cell body/ soma
dendrites
axon
schwann cells
axon terminal
what are astrocytes?
star-shaped glial cells wihin teh brain and spinal cord
store glycogen
remove exce potassion
removal of neurtransmitters
promote myelination by oligodendrocytes
which cells produce myelin in the CNS?
oligodendrocytes
(schwann cells = PNS)
where do microglial cells originate?
mesodermal origin
phagocytic and immunocompetent cellls
what cells line the ventricular system of the brain and the spinal cord? what is their function?
ependymal cells: produce CSF
how are ependymal cells attached and what covers their surface?
basal membranes are attached to astrocytes
surface covered with cilia and microvilli
what is the function of cilia and microvilli located on the surfcae of ependymal cells?
cilia- circulation of CSF
microvilli- absorption of CSF
which two groups of cells comprise the nervous system?
glial cells: support, noiurishment, insulation
nuerons: sensing changes and communication
broadly speaking what is the function of the ascending and descending spinal tracts?
ascending: relayign sensory information from the PNS to the brain
descending: motor signals fron the brain to LMN
how do astrocytes support the CNS?
break down excess neurotransmitter
store small amounts of glycogen
maintain low ionic environment
create BBB
which cells are known as teh immune cells of the brain?
microglia
immunosuppressive and phagocytic functions
what are the pH, osmolarity, protein and glucose levels in CSF compared to blood?
pH, lower
osmolarity, equal
protein, higher
glucose, lower
where is CSF produced?
Choroid plexus
what volume of CSF is produced each day?
around 500ml: 150-250ml is present in the body at any one time
how does CSF move through ventricles?
lateral ventricles ⇒ third ventricle ⇒ fourth ventricle ⇒ subarachnoid space
how is CSF drained?
drained into superior sagittal venous sinus through arachnoid villi
functions of CSF?
bouyancy for the brain
shock absorbance
homeostasis: regulates distribution of metabolites
clears waste products produced by brain
an abnormal increase in CSF volume within the ventricular system is known as what?
hydrocephalus: casues inc pressure within cranium and possible brain tissue damage
what are the two types of hydrocephalus?
communicating: CSF not reabsorbed into dural venous sinuses due to functional impairment of arachnoid villi
non-communicating: obstruction to CSF outflow