Cells of the nervous system

Neurons

• main cells of nervous system

• Have billions of

• Send impulses from one part of body to another

• Long lifespan

• don’t divide

• Require constant oxygen

Neuroglial cells

• smaller than neurons

• “Glue cells”

• Fill spaces between neurons and support them

Astrocytes

• largest

• Most numerous

• Anchor neurons to blood capillaries

Microglial cells

• sense and approach injured neurons

• Phagocytose bacteria and debris

Ependymal cells

• use cilia to circulate cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord

oligodendrocytes

• form myelin sheath in the cns

• An insulating covering

Neuroglial cells of the pns

• satellite cells

• Schwann cells

Neuroglial cells of the cns

• astrocytes

• Microglial cells

• Ependymal cells

• Oligodendrocytes

Schwann cells

• form myelin sheath in the pns

Satellite cells

• surround the cell body of a neuron

• Regulate levels of oxygen, Co2, and nutrients