Lecture 1 - Cells of the nervous system

What are the 2 principle cell types?

Neurons / gila

What are the supporting cells in CNS?

Gila

State all the types of gila.

Microgila / astrocytes / ependymal cells / oligodendrocytes / schwann cells

What are microglia derived from?

From immune system precursors (different to other gila)

What do microglia act like?

Like macrophages and have immune functions / can migrate

What is the most numerous type of glia cells?

Astrocytes

What do astrocytes do?

Fill the space between neurons / regulate extracellular environment / signalling & development of nervous system

Where are ependymal cells located?

Lining of ventricles

What is the name of the specialised ependymal cells that produce CSF?

Choroid plexus

What does choroid plexus produce?

CSF

Which of the glia cells are myelinated?

Oligodendrocytes / schwann cells

Are oligodendrocytes at the CNS or PNS?

CNS

Are schwann cells at the CNS or PNS?

PNS

What does the process of astrogliosis do?

Proliferation and activation of astrocytes

What is a cause for astrogliosis?

Reaction to damage

What can astrogliosis lead to?

Glial scar

What is a beneficial effect of a glial scar?

Keep immune cells out

What is a detrimental effect of glial scars?

Prevent axon regrowth

What are some other excitable cells, not including neurons?

Muscles / pancreatic beta / neuroendocrine

Are glial cells excitable?

No

What are the unique features of neurones?

Highly polar structure / cannot divide / excitable

Are dendrites ever myelinated?

Never

What is the structure of dendrite?

Short / tapered / branched

What is the specialised structures of dendrites?

Dendritic spines

What is the specialised structures of axons?

Nerve terminal

What is the structure of axons?

Long / untapered / branched

What is the role of cytoskeleton (in neurones?)

Defines shape and size of cell body, axon and dendrites

What parts of a neurone would you NOT find ribosomes?

Axon / nerve terminals

What is the afferent?

Sensory signal from periphery to centre

What is the efferent?

Motor signal to periphery from centre

What is the interneuron?

Relay between afferent and efferent