Neuron and Neuroglia

1. What is a neuron?

A specialized brain cell that transmits electrochemical information.

2. What are the main parts of a neuron?

Cell body (soma), dendrites, and axon(s).

3. What are the main types of neurons?

Sensory, motor, and interneurons; structurally unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar.

4. What is an action potential?

An electric charge that builds up in the dendrites and soma before being sent down the axon.

5. What is saltatory conduction?

The jumping of action potentials from node to node along a myelinated axon.

6. What is axonation (myelination)?

The creation of a myelin sheath by oligodendrocytes in the CNS or Schwann cells in the PNS.

7. What are neuroglia (glial cells)?

Supporting cells of the nervous system that protect and maintain neurons.

8. What types of neuroglia are found in the CNS?

Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells.

9. What is the function of astrocytes?

Macroglia cells that act like the packing peanuts of the CNS — providing structural and metabolic support.

10. What is the function of oligodendrocytes?

Macroglia cells that generate myelin sheaths and form glial scars after injury.

11. What is the function of ependymal cells?

They line the ventricles and central canal, forming a barrier between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neurons; part of the choroid plexus that produces CSF.

12. What is the function of microglia cells?

Phagocytes that remove debris and dead tissue from the CNS at lesion sites.

13. What is the function of Schwann cells?

They produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).