Cells of the Nervous System

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the cells of the nervous system.

Neurons

Main cells of the nervous system; send impulses (messages) from one part of the body to another. Have a long lifespan and Require constant oxygen and die quickly without it.

Amitotic

A term referring to cells that do not divide and cannot be replaced; neurons are amitotic.

Neuroglial Cells

Cells that are smaller than neurons, also called glial cells, which fill spaces between neurons and support them.

Astrocytes

The largest and most numerous neuroglial cells that anchor neurons to blood capillaries.

Microglial cells

Neuroglial cells that sense and approach injured neurons, phagocytosing bacteria and debris.

Ependymal cells

Neuroglial cells that use cilia to circulate cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

Oligodendrocytes

Neuroglial cells that form the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS).

Schwann cells

Cells that form the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Satellite cells

Cells that surround the cell body of a neuron and regulate levels of oxygen, CO₂, and nutrients.

Myelin sheath

An insulating covering formed by oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS that increases the speed of impulse transmission.