Chapter 7: Nervouse Tissue: Structrue and Function

Question 1

What are supporting cells of the CNS called? What is their function?

Answer 1

Neuroglia, generally support, insulate, and protect the delicate neurons.

Question 2

What are Astrocytes and what do they do?

Answer 2

Star shaped cells, accounting for half of the neural tissue. They cling to neurons, bracing them and anchoring them to their nutrient supply line. Also form the barrier between capillaries and neurons, determine capillary permeability and play a role in making exchanges between the two.

Question 3

What are Microglia? What do they do?

Answer 3

Spiderlike phagocytes that monitor the health of nearby neurons and dispose of debris, including dead brain cells.

Question 4

What are Ependymal? What do they do?

Answer 4

They are glial cells that line the central cavities of the brain and spinal cord. They help in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 5

What are Oligodendrocytes? What do they do?

Answer 5

They are glia that wrap around the nerve fibers, producing fatty insulating coverings called myelin sheaths.

Question 6

What are the two major forms of supporting cells in the PNS?

Answer 6

Schwann Cells and Satellite Cells.

Question 7

What do Schwan Cells do?

Answer 7

Form the myelin sheaths around nerve fibers.

Question 8

What do Satellite cells do?

Answer 8

Act as protective, cushioning cells.