CNS Flashcards
(29 cards)
What does the CNS consist of?
Formed from neural tissue
Brain + Spinal Cord
What are Glial cells and what are the different types?
They maintain the environment surrounding neurons
Ependymal cells Oligodendrocytes Microglia Astrocytes Satellite cells
What are Ependymal cells?
They line ventricular system in CNS
Secrete CSF which fills the ventricular system
What are Oligodendrocytes?
Forms myelin sheath - insulate axons in CNS
What are Microglia?
macrophage-like cells
For immune defence
Tissue repair in brain & spinal cord
What are Astrocytes?
Regulate + maintain chemical composition of extracellular space and maintain a gateway
Blood-Brain Barrier
They are star shaped glial cells
What are Satellite cells?
Found in PNS
Small cells
surround neurons in sensory, sympathetic & parasympathetic ganglia
Regulate external environment
What are the functions of the Cerebral cortex?
Sensory perception Voluntary control of movement Language Personality traits Thinking Memory Decision Making Creativity Self-consciousness
What are the functions of the Basal Ganglia
Co-ordination of movement
Includes the striatum
What are the functions of the Thalamus?
Relay station for sensory inputs and motor outputs
What are the functions of the Hypothalamus?
Regulates several key functions - Body temp, fluid/food intake
Key link between nervous and endocrine system - Pituitary gland
What are the functions of the Cerebellum?
Maintenance of balance
What are the functions of the Hippocampus?
Learning + Memory
What are the functions of the Brain Stem?
Origin of majority of cranial nerves
- Cardiovascular control centres
- Respiratory control centres
- Digestive control centres
Regulation of muscle reflexes involved with equilibrium and posture
What are the 3 protective/nourishing membranes called and where are they?
Meninges
They lie between bony covering and nervous tissue
What are the names of the 4 arteries that supply blood to the brain?
2 Carotid Arteries - Front of neck
2 Vertebral Arteries - Back of neck
What is the name of the place of merging of all 4 arteries at the base of the brain?
Circle of Willis
Which arteries arise from the Circle of Willis?
Pial Arteries
They go over the surface of the brain - just above the Pia Mater - one of the meningeal layers
What are pericytes?
Control blood flow into brain
They have an immune function - preventing macromolecules from entering brain
What is the Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP)
Major component of the Astrocytic cytoskeleton
Defines and maintains shape of Astrocyte
What are the expanded endings of Astrocytic processes called?
End feet - located just below the Pia Mater
They form the Glia-limitans
What are the functions of Astrocytes?
Energy & nutrient support of neurons Ion & water homeostasis Termination of synaptic activity Maintenance of BBB Breathing regulation
What are the 2 super families of Transport proteins, and give examples
Solute Carrier (SLC Super family)
- Facilitated diffusion transporters
- Secondary active transporters
ATP Binding Cassette (ABC Super family)
- P-glycoprotein (PGP) - important transporter
- Breast Cancer Resistance protein (BCRP)
- Multi-drug Resistance Associated Protein (MRP)
What are the 2 different types of Endocytosis?
Non-selective endocytosis
- Fluid phase endocytosis - formation of vesicle from plasma membrane
Selective Endocytosis
