Synapse

Question 1

what is a neurotransmitter

Answer 1

chemicals that are the primary means of communication b/w cells

allow neurons to communicate w/ other cells

Question 2

what happens when neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind with post-synaptic receptors

Answer 2

conformational change

Question 3

what is the conformational change

Answer 3

protein changes shape and alters the fxn of the receiving neuron

Question 4

presynaptic side

Answer 4

axon terminal

sender

Question 5

post synaptic side

Answer 5

dendrite or soma of another neuron

receiver

Question 6

synaptic cleft

Answer 6

space b/w the 2 sides

Question 7

synaptic transmission

Answer 7

transfer of info across the synapse

Question 8

neuroglia

Answer 8

support cells of the NS

Question 9

compared to neurons, neuroglia are

Answer 9

smaller

10x more numerous

Question 10

CNS Neuroglia

Answer 10

astrocytes

oligodendrocytes

microglia

ependymal cells

Question 11

astrocytes

Answer 11

stellate shaped cells

forming a perivascular covering around blood vessels

numerous

long processes

Question 12

what do astrocytes extend b/w

Answer 12

neurons and vascular elements

Question 13

what do astrocytes occupy

Answer 13

much of the extracellular space of the CNS

Question 14

fxn of astrocytes

Answer 14

provide physical and nutritional support to the neurons of CNS

isolate neurons from each other

metabolize extracellular NTs (glutamate, GABA, serotonin)

Question 15

fxn of astrocytes cont

Answer 15

help migration of developing cells during embryogenesis

form glial scar tissue after damage to the CNS

act as a K+ and Na+ buffers

proliferate after trauma

swell

accumulate glycogen and undergo fibrosis by accumulation of filaments

Question 16

2 types of astrocytes

Answer 16

fibrous astrocytes

protoplasmic astrocytes

Question 17

fibrous astrocytes

Answer 17

in white matter

Question 18

protoplasmic astrocytes

Answer 18

gray matter

Question 19

oligodendrocytes

Answer 19

produce myeline sheath

have small nuclei

Question 20

how many neurons can oligodendrocytes myelinate

Answer 20

multiple

Question 21

what do patients with MS have issues with

Answer 21

oligodendrocytes

Question 22

microglia

Answer 22

phagocytes arising from monocytes

referred to as CNS scavengers

Question 23

what do microglia compromise

Answer 23

~15% of the total cells of the CNS

Question 24

where are microglia found

Answer 24

all regions of the brain and spinal cord

Question 25

are microglia mobile in the brain

Answer 25

yes

Question 26

what do microglia do when the brain is damaged

Answer 26

multiply

Question 27

ependymal cells

Answer 27

epithelial cells of the ventricles

produce CSF

Question 28

PNS neuroglia

Answer 28

satellite cells

schwann cells

Question 29

satellite cells

Answer 29

surround clusters of neuronal cell bodies in PNS

Question 30

role of satellite cells

Answer 30

similar to astrocytes

supply nutrients to the surrounding neurons

some structural fxn

protective and cushioning cells

Question 31

schwann cells

Answer 31

form myeline sheaths around the large nerve fibers in the PNS

Question 32

what are schwann cells vital for

Answer 32

neuronal regeneration

Question 33

how many neurons can schwann cells myelinate

Answer 33

ONE

Question 34

point of contact

Answer 34

where one neuron comes into contact w/ another neuron

Question 35

how do neurotransmitters synthesized

Answer 35

by the neuron

Question 36

where are NT stored

Answer 36

vesicles at the nerve terminal

stored before they are released