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Cell Biology & Neuroscience > L6: Neurons & Glia > Flashcards

L6: Neurons & Glia Flashcards

Learning Objectives: a) describe the major classes of neurons b) identify the structural characteristics of a prototypical neuron c) understand the principles of convergence and divergence and how they can help to build neural networks d) describe the classes of glia in the PNS and CNS explain how the different functions of glia provide support to the nervous system (45 cards)

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1
Q

Define dimers

A

2 molecules that interact with each other

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2
Q

What are monomers of microtubules?

A

alpha & beta tubulin dimers

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3
Q

Structure of neurofilaments

A

Coiled-coil fibre

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4
Q

Monomers of microfilaments

A

Actin dimers

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5
Q

3 features of the neuronal cytoskeleton

A
  1. Microtubule
  2. Neurofilament
  3. Microfilament
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6
Q

2 axonal transport

A

Anterograde transport
Retrograde transport

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7
Q

Which type of axonal transport acts toward the cell body?

A

Retrograde transport

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8
Q

Which type of axonal transport moves towards the synapse?

A

Anterograde transport

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9
Q

What is the motor for retrograde axonal transport?

A

Dynein

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10
Q

What is the motor for anterograde axonal transport?

A

Kinesin

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11
Q

What specialised cells myelinate axons?

A

Specialised glial cells

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12
Q

Define saltatory conduction

A

Myelination speeds up nerve conduction

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13
Q

3 connective sheaths of peripheral nerves

A
  1. Epineurium
  2. Perineurium
  3. Endoneurium
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14
Q

What is the endoneurium?

A

Connective tissue layer surrounding axon & associated Schwann cells

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15
Q

What is the perineurium?

A

Connective tissue layer surrounding groups of axons forming fascicles

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16
Q

What are fascicles?

A

Group of axons bundled

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17
Q

What is the epineurium?

A

Outer layer; connective tissue surrounding a peripheral nerve

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18
Q

What is nissl staining ?

A

Stains cell body, especially ER

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19
Q

3 classes of neurons

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A
  1. Sensory/afferent (in) neurons
  2. Motor/efferent (away) neurons
  3. Interneurons
20
Q

Function of sensory/afferent neurons

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A

Send signals towards the CNS

21
Q

Function of motor/efferent neurons

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A

Sends signals away from the CNS, into the periphery

22
Q

Function of interneurons

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A

Act locally, within the CNS

23
Q

4 Classes of neurons based on structural classification

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A
  1. Multipolar
  2. Bipolar
  3. Pseudo-unipolar
  4. Unipolar
24
Q

What is a multipolar neurone?

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A

Possesses a single axon & many dendrites

25
What is a unipolar neuron?
A neurite extends from the middle of the cell body
26
What is a pseudo-unipolar neurone?
No dendrites
27
What is a bipolar neurone?
Has 1 dendrite & 1 axon, with a cell body between these two structure
28
3 types of synapses
1. Axo-dendritic 2. Axo-somatic 3. Axo-axonic
29
What is a axodendritic synapse?
Connection forming between the axon of 1 neuron & the dendrite of another ## Footnote Many form at **dendritic spines**
30
What is a axo-somatic neurone?
Direct connection between the axon of 1 neuron to the cell body of another neurone
31
What is a axo-axonic synapse?
1 neurone projecting its axon terminals onto another neuron's axon
32
Define post-synaptic density (PSD)
Protein complex associated with postsynaptic membranes of excitatory synapses
33
Where do axo-dendritic synapses form at?
Dendritic spines
34
What is synaptic convergence?
Allows a neuron to receive input from many neurons in a network
35
What is synaptic divergence?
Allows 1 neuron to communicate with many other neurons in a network
36
4 types of neuroglia in the CNS
1. Microglia 2. Astrocytes 3. Oligodendrocytes 4. Ependymal Cells
37
2 types of neuroglia in the PNS
1. Satellite Cells 2. Schwann Cells
38
What are fibrous astrocytes?
White matter, support axons
39
What are protoplasmic astrocytes?
Grey matter, homeostatic
40
Role of astrocytes
Buffering K+ ions, prevent K+ ion build up
41
Role of oligodendrocytes
Produce myelin, inhibit axon regeneration in the CNS
42
Role of microglia
Immune defence, become phagocytotic when activated
43
Role of ependymal cells
Control production & flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
44
Role of schwann cells
Myelination of PNS axons
45
Role of satellite cells
Structural & metabolic support

Cell Biology & Neuroscience (18 decks)

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