Brain Cell Structure

Question 1

Nissl staining used for?

Answer 1

1. Stains neurones soma blue
2. Shows density of neurones
3. Shows organisation of neurones in different brain structures

Question 2

How does Nissl stain work?

Answer 2

1. Stains rRNA found on RER

2. Higher conc in neurones than glial so distinguishes

Question 3

What’s Golgi stain used for?

Answer 3

1. Stains entirety of the cell (unlike nissl)

2. Gives sense of neurone structure

Question 4

Unipolar neurone

Answer 4

Only have one axonal branch

Question 5

Where are bipolar neurones found?

Answer 5

1. Olfactory epithelium

2. Bipolar retinal cells

Question 6

What’s a bipolar neurone?

Answer 6

Has two true branches (axon or dendrite)

Question 7

What are multipolar neurones?

Answer 7

1. Most common type

2. 1 axon, many dendrites

Question 8

What are the 4 types of Glial cells

Answer 8

1. Astrocyte
2. Oligodendrocyte
3. Microglia
4. Ependymal

Question 9

Astrocytes (4 things)

Answer 9

1. Star shaped due to lots of processes (not axons/ dendrites)
2. Formation of Blood brain barrier (astrocydidc foot processes)
3. Closely associated with neuronal cell bodies/ dendrites/ synapses.
4. Maintains chemical balance of extracellular fluid (uptake and release of NTs)

Question 10

Oligodendrocytes

Answer 10

Produce myelin sheath on multiple axons and in multiple places on an axon

Question 11

Microglial cells

Answer 11

1. Similar to macrophages
2. Ingest pathogens and dead cells- found near inflammation and trauma
3. Involved in elimination of parts of neurones

Question 12

Ependymal cells

Answer 12

1. Tightly linked- filter plasma to make CSF
2. Found in choroid plexus at ventricles
3. Have cilia to move CSF