Neuroanatomy Flashcards
What is the grey matter made up of?
neuronal cell bodies
What is the white matter made up of?
myelinated axons
What are the functions of the midbrain?
→ Produces dopamine, serotonin and other monoamines
→ Processes visual and auditory pathways (Superior colliculus covers visual, Inferior colliculus covers auditory)
Which cranial nerves come from the midbrain?
III and IV
Which nuclei are associated with the midbrain?
III, IV and V
What are the functions of the pons?
Facilitates cardiovascular and respiratory function (control rhythm)
Which cranial nerves come from the pons?
V, VI, VII, VIII
Which nuclei are associated with the pons?
V, VI, VII, VIII
Which cranial nerves come from the medulla oblongata?
IX, X, XI, XII
Which nuclei are associated with the medulla oblongata?
V, IX, X, XI, XII
What are the types of non-neuronal cells?
Oligodendrocytes
Astrocytes
Microglia
What do oligodendrocytes do?
- Mainly carry out myelin sheath formation around nerve fibres in CNS
- In white matter: produce myelin sheath around myelinated fibres in white matter, are the predominant neuroglial cell in white matter
- In grey matter: closely associated with neuron cell bodies, function as satellite cells to support
What do astrocytes do?
- Regulate composition of intercellular environment and entry of substances into it
- Structural support to neurons (specifically to synapses)
- Metabolize neurotransmitters (eg if they are released by axon terminal but don’t bind to postsynaptic neuron
- Mediate the exchange of nutrients and metabolites between the blood and neurons
What do microglia do?
- Small phagocytic cells that enlarge and become mobile after injury to the CNS
- Release TNF-α, IL-1β in response to neuroinflammation
