Cells of the Nervous System

What are the two main cell types in the nervous system?

Glial cells (support neurons) and neurons (send and process signals)

What do astrocytes do?

provide nutrients to neurons & hold them in place

What do microglia do?

clean up dead cells & protect nervous system

What does myelin do?

Covers the axon to make signals travel faster and more efficiently

What is the job of the cell body (soma)?

Keeps the neuron alive and contains the nucleus, which directs cell functions

What do dendrites do?

Receive signals from other neurons; more dendrites = better learning & memory

What does the axon do?

Sends electrical signals away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles