Cells of the Nervous System

Dendrites

Recieve signals from other neurons

Soma

Cell body; Contains nucleus and organelles

Axon

Transmits signals away from soma

Axon Hillock

Initiation of action potentials

Myelin Sheath

Insulates axon, speeds up signal

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in myelin sheath, signals jump

Synapse

Converts electrical signal to chemical signal

Glial cells in the central nervous system

Oligodendrocytes, Astrocytes, Microglia, Ependymal cells

Glial cell in peripheral nervous system

Schwann Cells

Oligodendrocytes

Produce myelin for CNS

Astrocytes

Form blood-brain barrier, provide nutrients

Microglia

Immune cells, phagocytose pathogens

Ependymal cells

Line ventricles, produce cerebrospinal fluid

Schwann Cells

Produce myelin for PNS