Patho Final - Neurology

Neuron function and parts

• Primary information and communication cell

• Fuel source is glucose (insulin not needed in CNS)

• Parts: soma (cell body), dendrites (extensions that carry impulses toward the cell body), axons (long projections, carry impulses away from cell body)

Neuroglial cells function and parts

• Non-conducting cells

• Provide support, protection and nutrition for the neurons

• Myelin sheath around axons

• Astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes in CNS; Schwann and satellite cells in PNS

Conduction velocity is dependent on?

a myelin sheath and the diameter of the axon (presence of myelin and larger axon diameter -> faster conduction)

Types of Neurons: motor neurons

transmit impulses away from the CNS to effector organs (efferent)

Types of Neurons: association neurons

transmit impulses between neurons and only exist in CNS

Types of Neurons: sensory neurons

transmit impulses from peripheral sensory receptors to the CNS (afferent)

CNS injury

results in permanent loss of damaged neurons

PNS injury

can repair themselves through changes known as “axonal reaction”

3. Discuss the role of a neurotransmitter and the transmission across a synapse