Neurons and Neurotransmitters

Neuron

The basic cell that makes up the nervous system and that receives and sends messages within the system

Who theorized and gave structure of a neuron? And in which year?

In 1887, Santiago Ramon Y Cajal first theorized that the nervous system was made up of individual cells = neurons

What are the functions of Glial Cells?

“HEALTHY STRUCTURES NOURISH, CLEAN, COMMUNICATE, INSULATE, GUIDE, GENERATE, SHAPE AND SYNCHRONIZE

1. H - Maintain Homeostasis

2. S - Serve as structure for neurons to develop and work

3. N - Deliver nutrients to neurons

4. C - Clean remains of dead neurons

5. C - Communicate with neurons and other glial cells

6. I - Insulate axons of some neurons

7. G - Radial glia guide neuronal migration during development

8. G - Some glial cells act like stem cells - develop into new neurons

9. S - Affect synaptic connectivity, learning, behavior and neuroplasticity

10. S - Facilitate communication between neurons in specific neural networks

How is myelin generated?

Myelin is generated by two special types of glial cells

1. Oligodendrocytes: Produce myelin for neurons in brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system)

2. Schwann Cells: Produce myelin for neurons on the peripheral nervous system

What are ‘tracts’?

Bundles of myelin-coated axons travelling together as cables in the Central Nervous System

What are ‘nerves’?

Bundles of myelin-coated axons travelling together as cables in the Peripheral Nervous System

What is the unique feature of Myelin from Schwann Cells?

Can serve as a tunnel through which damaged fibres can reconnect and repair themselves

What are the functions of myelin?

1. Wraps around shaft of axons forming an insulating and protective sheath

2. Myelin from Schwann Cells - serve as a tunnel through which damaged fibres can reconstruct and repair themselves

3. Speeds up neural messaging travelling down the axon

What are Schwann Cells?

Schwann cells are glial cells that myelinate and support peripheral nerves.