Cells

Question 1

overview of neurons

Answer 1

adapted for rapid communication of signals to create complex networks
can be highly specialised
dendrites are branches that extend from the cells to receive signals
cell body which is similar to the main bulk of normal cells
axon which connects it to other cells
synaptic terminal is where chemical transmission takes place, either with another neuron or an effector cell hn

Question 2

overview of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells

Answer 2

produce myelin which speeds up communication, Schwann cells are found in PNS, whereas oligodendrocytes are found in CNS
oligodendrocytes cover multiple axons
loss of myelin sheath impairs signal conduction, can lead to MS or guillan-barre syndrome

Question 3

overview of microglia

Answer 3

patrol the brain and change their function in response to the microenvironment
clean up damaged areas via phagocytosis
send signals to other cells when they find an area of damage
regulate cell development
synaptic pruning
reduce size when the sense damage, very adaptable

Question 4

overview of astrocytes

Answer 4

regulate neurotransmission
recycle proteins required for neurotransmission
coordinate responses with other CNS cells
maintain blood-brain barrier
appear as stars when looking under the microscope

Question 5

overview of ependymal cells

Answer 5

found lining the ventricles and the spinal canal
produce and maintain CSF
have cilia on top which helps circulate CSF

Question 6

what does the blood-brain barrier do

Answer 6

maintains the nutrients required for the brain to function
protects brain from environmental toxins, can make it hard to design drugs as they need to be able to cross the bbb