day 3(half 1)

Vocabulary flashcards defining neuroglia types in the PNS and CNS, membrane channel mechanisms, and synaptic structures.

Neuroglia

Support cells in nervous tissue that support and nourish neurons.

Satellite cells

PNS neuroglia that regulate oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrient, and neurotransmitter levels around ganglia.

Schwann cells

PNS neuroglia that surround axons in the PNS, causing myelination of axons and faster impulse transmission, and aid in repair after injury.

Oligodendrocytes

CNS neuroglia that surround axons in the CNS, causing myelination and providing structural support.

Microglia

CNS neuroglia that clean up cellular debris and pathogens via phagocytosis.

Astrocytes

CNS neuroglia that maintain the blood-brain barrier, regulate nutrient, ion, and dissolved gas concentrations, absorb and recycle neurotransmitters, and form scar tissue after injury.

Ependymal cells

CNS neuroglia that line ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord, and assist in cerebrospinal fluid production.

Voltage-gated channels

Membrane channels that open and close in response to voltage changes on the membrane.

Ligand-gated channels

Membrane channels that open and close in response to the proper chemical binding to the membrane.

Mechanically regulated channels

Membrane channels that open in response to physical distortion of the membrane.

Synapse

A tiny junction where neurons communicate with each other, converting an electrical signal into a chemical signal and back again.

Presynaptic neuron

A neuron that brings an impulse to the synapse.

Synaptic cleft

The space between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic neuron.

Postsynaptic neuron

A neuron that carries an impulse away from the synapse.