Lecture 2.2: Neural Components and Networks Flashcards
What are the 2 Types of Cells in the Nervous System?
1) Neuroglia
2) Neurones
What are the Roles of Neuroglia? (3)
- Ensure structure, support, nourishment and
protection - More numerous than neurons (3:1)
- Maintain ionic state, scaffolding, aid recovery/
restructure
What are the Roles of Neurones? (3)
- Functional units of the nervous system (89 billion in
the brain) - React to chemical and sensory stimuli
- Conduction of impulses
- Emit specific chemical regulators
What Neuroglia are found in the CNS? (4)
- Astrocytes
- Oligodendrocytes
- Microglia
- Ependymal Cells
What does the CNS consist of? (2)
- Brain
- Spinal Cord
What is the Role of Astrocytes?
Maintain electrochemical environment for neurones
and help form the BBB
What is the Role of Oligodendrocytes?
Myelinate neurons in the CNS
What is the Role of Microglia?
- Macrophage-like cells
- Scavengers, modulate inflammation, cell turnover and
death
What is the Role of Ependymal Cells?
Control the production and flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), brain metabolism, and waste clearance
What Neuroglia are found in the PNS? (2)
- Schwann Cells
- Satellite Cells
What is the Role of Schwann Cells?
Myelination of Axons
What is the Role of Satellite Cells?
Maintain electrochemical environment for neurones in the PNS, sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
What are Synapses?
Junctions that allow information to be transferred from 1 neurone to another neurone or from a motor neurone to a skeletal muscle fibre
What are the 2 Types of Synapses?
- Chemical (most common)
- Electrical
How do Electrical Synapses work?
- Pre and post-synaptic membranes are linked via gap
junctions - Chemical signals simply diffuse through
- Quicker
- Allows mass coordination of neurones