The Basics Flashcards
Glial cells include
Microglia
Astrocytes
Schwann cells
Oligodendrites
Function of microglia
Phagocytic, APCs which interact with adaptive immune system - derived from monocytes
Functions of astrocytes
Physically support neurons
Regulate [K+] in interstitial fluid
Absorb GABA so it doesn’t build up
Proliferate to form scar tissue in CNS damage
Function of schwann cells
Myelinate axons of neurons in PNS - 1 cell can only myelinate 1 axon
Function of oligodendrites
Myelinate axons of neurons in CNS- 1 cell can myelinate many axons
Ion channels found at the node of Ranvier
Na
K
AP transmission down a myelinated axon is called
saltatory conduction
Methods of neurotransmitter removal from synaptic cleft
Enzyme degradation
Re-uptake by pre-synaptic terminal
Uptake by glial cells via membrane transporters
Simple diffusion out of the cleft
Temporal summation
impulses received at the same synpase in rapid succession add up to generate an AP
Spatial summation
impulses received at many different synapses on a dendrite add up to generate an AP
Where (on the neuron) are action potentials generated & any summation occur?
axon hillock
Catecholamine synthesis including enzymes
tyrosine > L-DOPA (via tyrosine hydroxylase) > dopamine (dopa decarboxylase) > noradrenaline (via dopamine beta-hydroxlase) > adrenaline (via PNMT)
Synthesis of GABA
Glutamate > GABA via glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)
Synthesis of glutamate
Glutamine > glutamate via glutaminase
Serotonin synthesis
Tryptophan > 5-HTP (tryptophan hydroxylase) > 5-HT (5-HT decarboxylase)
