AP 2 1.3: Neuroglial Cells

Question 1

nerve

Answer 1

A nerve consists of hundreds of thousands of axons wrapped together in a connective tissue.

Question 2

ganglia

Answer 2

In the peripheral nervous system, the cell bodies of neurons are grouped together in masses called ganglia, which are part of a single nerve.

Question 3

Neuroglial cells

Answer 3

Neuroglial cells are highly important for neuron function. Neuroglial cells are support cells for neurons. Neurons require a highly specific environment to survive and conduct electrical impulses efficiently. Neuroglial cells help to support neurons to enable them to thrive in their needed environment.

Question 4

Schwann cells

Answer 4

The peripheral nerve axon is coated in short sections called Schwann cells. Schwann cells are a special type of neuroglial cell found in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and composed of a white fatty layer called the myelin sheath, which is rolled around the axon, insulating the nerve fiber from others and increasing the speed of nerve impulses.

Question 5

Nodes of Ranvier

Answer 5

The Schwann cell insulating sections are not continuous, having gaps between them called Nodes of Ranvier At these exposed nodes, the nerve impulse is forced to jump to the next node in a manner called saltatory conduction,

Question 6

saltatory conduction

Answer 6

At these exposed nodes, the nerve impulse is forced to jump to the next node in a manner called saltatory conduction, greatly increasing the nerve impulse transmission along the axon.

Question 6

myelin sheath

Answer 6

Schwann cells are and composed of a white fatty layer called the myelin sheath, which is rolled around the axon, insulating the nerve fiber from others and increasing the speed of nerve impulses. There are also unmyelinated fibers, which are common in the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord, in which the Schwann cells do not wrap around the axon but are just loosely associated with the axon. The Schwann cell insulating sections are not continuous, having gaps between them called Nodes of Ranvier .

Question 7

Satellite cells

Answer 7

Satellite cells surround the cell bodies of peripheral neurons, helping to regulate the cell body environment

Question 8

Ependymal cells

Answer 8

Ependymal cells circulate cerebrospinal fluid and allow fluid exchange between brain, spinal cord, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Question 9

Neuroglial cells of the central nervous system (CNS)

Answer 9

Neuroglial cells of the central nervous system (CNS) include ependymal cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglial cells

Question 10

CSF

Answer 10

CSF is a clear fluid that only circulates in the brain and spinal cord.

Question 11

Oligodendrocytes

Answer 11

Oligodendrocytes act as the insulation for central nervous system axons.

Question 12

Astrocytes

Answer 12

Astrocytes control the chemical environment of neurons by wrapping around the blood capillaries. This physical barrier is called the blood brain barrier, allowing the passage of only certain substances into the central nervous system.

Question 12

blood brain barrier

Answer 12

Astrocytes control the chemical environment of neurons by wrapping around the blood capillaries. This physical barrier is called the blood brain barrier, allowing the passage of only certain substances into the central nervous system.