Cells & Tissues: Nervous Tissue

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to cells and tissues in the nervous system.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit signals in the nervous system.

Glial cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that protect and support neurons.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that produce myelin sheaths in the central nervous system (CNS).

Schwann cells

Glial cells that produce myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Synapses

Special contact points between neurons that allow for the transmission of signals.

Action potential

A rapid change in the electrical state of a neuron that allows signals to be transmitted.

Depolarization

The process of reversing the polarity of the cell membrane during an action potential.

Myelin

A fatty substance that insulates axons, speeding up the conduction of signals.

Saltatory conduction

The process by which action potentials jump between nodes of Ranvier in myelinated axons.

Neurolemma

The outermost layer of Schwann cells that surrounds peripheral nerves.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells that provide support and nutrients to neurons in the CNS.

Microglia

Resident macrophages of the CNS that help with immune defense.

Ependymal cells

Glial cells that line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.

CNS (Central Nervous System)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting information.

PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)

Consists of all the nerves outside the CNS, responsible for connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

Ganglia

Collections of neuronal cell bodies located in the peripheral nervous system.

White matter

Regions of the nervous system primarily composed of myelinated axons.

Grey matter

Regions of the nervous system composed mainly of neuronal cell bodies and glial cells.