Diego - Glia

Question 1

What are the 4 main functions of glial cells?

Answer 1

1. To surround neurones and provide physical support (hold them in place)
2. To supply nutrients and oxygen to neurones
3. To insulate one neurone from another and facilitate synaptic communication
4. To destroy and remove cell debris and unwanted molecules

But also has many other important functions

Question 2

What are some glial developmental roles?

Answer 2

1. Guiding migration of neurones in early development
2. Producing molecules that modify growth of axons and dendrites

Question 3

What are some glial synaptic transmission roles?

Answer 3

1. Regulating clearance of neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft
2. Releasing factors such as ATP which modulate presynaptic function
3. Even releasing neurotransmitter themselves

Question 4

Does glia have a role in brain disease and neurodegeneration?

Answer 4

Yes glia play a fundamental role in brain disease and neurodeneration, defining the pathophysiological trajectory

Question 5

What are the types of neurglia in the CNS? Where are they located? What is their role?

Answer 5

Astrocytes
- Maintain blood brain barrier
- Provide structural support
- Regulate ion, nutrient, and dissolved gas concentrations
- Absorb and recycle neurotransmitter
- Form scar tissue after injury

Microglia
- Remove cell debris, wastes and pathogens by phagocytosis

Oligodendrocytes
- Myelinate CNS axons
- Provide structural framework

Ependymal cells
- Line ventricles (brain) and central canal (spinal cord)
- Assists in producing, circulating and monitoring cerebrospinal fluid

Question 6

What are the types of neurglia in the PNS? Where are they located? What is their role?

Answer 6

Satellite cells
- Surround neurone cell bodies in the ganglia
- Regulate oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrient, and neurotransmitter levels around neurones in ganglia

Schwann cells
- Surround axons in the PNS
- Are responsible of myelination of peripheral axons
- Participate in repair process after injury