Structure of Neurones & Glia Flashcards
What are the 3 parts of a neuron?
Cell body/ soma
Dendrites- input
A single axon- ouput
What are dendrites and axons are sometimes called collectively?
Neurites
What is contained within the soma?
Nucleus
Perikaryon
What is perikaryon?
Cytoplasm of a neuron
What organelles of the cell body are found in the neuron?
Nucleus Ribosomes Golgi apparatus Microtubules Mitochondria Lysosomes Lipofucin bodies
What is the nucleus responsible for?
Contains DNA, replicate cells
Most adult neurons (after the age of 7) do not replicate- DNA involved only in protein synthesis
Protein made by transcription and translation (ribosomes)
What are ribosomes responsible for?
Translation
Most commonly associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Rough ER or Nissl bodies (making proteins and peptide sequences)
What is the golgi apparatus responsible for?
Protein assembly completed here
What are microtubules responsible for?
Cell body, dendrites and axon
Transporting packaged proteins
Forms part of the cytoskeleton (gives neuron some degree of rigidity)
How many neurons are in the mitochondria and what is it’s job?
Numerous in neurons
Supply energy
What are lysosomes responsible for?
Break down organelles
What are lipofucin bodies for?
Contain all neurons rubbish
Electron dense
Waste products in ‘old’ cells
What happens to lipofucin bodies as people get older?
As you get older your body obtains more lipofucin bodies
What is the role of dendrites?
Continuation of the cell body Contain free ribosomes and mitochondria Form branching patterns like trees Synapses are formed on dendrites Some synapses on spines
What is the role of axons?
Unique to neurons
Specialised for transmission of electrical impulses
Can be up to 1m in length
What are the part of the axon?
The axon hillock
Axon proper
Axon collaterals
Axon terminal
What does the axon hillock do?
Merges from soma
Generates electrical impulse
Causes neuron to fire