Glia and Myelination

What is neuroglia?

supporting cells of the nervous system that are intimately related to neurons and their processes

What types of neuroglia are there?

involved in excitation, inhibition or propagation of the nerve impulse

What are the 3 NCS types of neuroglia?

astrocytes, oligodenroglia, microglia

What are the PNS neuroglia called?

Schwann cells

What is astrocytes?

forms structural support of the CNS, removes debris, helps form the blood-brain barrier, nourishes neurons, releases calcium which can increase or decrease communication between neurons

What is microglia?

CNS neuroglia that are similar to macrophages in that they are phagocytic (break down and dispose of any damaged cells)

What is myelin?

is a substance of proteins and fats that surrounds an axon, insulating it and supporting the flow of the action potential.

What is Nodes of Ranvier?

are gaps in the myelin where sodium channels can open and continuously generate more action potentials

What at a young age can cause developmental delays because it can cause problems with nerve conduction?

myelination

What are the two types of myelin? (CNS and PNS)

CNS - Oligodendroglia

PNS - Schwann cells

What do both types of myelin do?

produce and maintain the myelin sheaths in the CNS and PNS

What is Guillain-Barré?

a rare acute autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, causing rapid muscle weakness, numbness and tingling (it ofen starts at the legs and spreads upwards

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

a chronic autoimmune disease of the CNS, where the immune system, attacks the protective myelin sheath covering nerve fibers