cellular brain components-neurones and glia

what are the two main classes of neurones in the cerebral cortex

1) Projection neurones (principal/pyramidal)
2) Interneurones (e.g., basket cells)

what is the main function of projection neurones

send information to neurones in other brain areas and are mostly excitatory (glutamatergic)

what is the main function of interneurones

act as local-circuit cells, influencing nearby neurones. Most are inhibitory (GABAergic)

can some interneurones affect large groups of neurones

yes — some have extensive axonal projections that synchronize the activity of many neurones

what are the three main structural parts of all neurones

• Cell body (soma) – contains the nucleus.

• Dendrites – receive inputs from other neurones.

• Axon – transmits impulses to other cells via axon terminals

what are the main types of glial cells in the cerebral cortex and their functions

• Astrocytes – regulate the chemical environment around nerve cells.

• Oligodendrocytes – form the myelin sheath around axons for faster impulse transmission.

• Microglia – act as immune cells of the CNS, similar to macrophag

what is a synapse

point of connection between two neurones where electrochemical communication occurs

what is the main role of the synaptic cleft

allows neurotransmitters to travel between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurones, enabling communication