Nerve Tissue

Question 1

What are the 2 primary components of nerve tissue?

Answer 1

Neurons and glial cells

Question 2

What are the 2 main divisions of the nervous tissue?

Answer 2

Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System

Question 3

What are the main parts of a neuron?

Answer 3

Cell body (soma), dendrites and axon

Question 4

Name the structural classifications of neurones

Answer 4

Multipolar, bipolar and unipolar (pseudounipolar)

Question 5

Name the functional classifications of neurones

Answer 5

Sensory (afferent), motor (efferent) and interneurones

Question 6

Name the glial cells found in the CNS

Answer 6

Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and ependymal cells

Question 7

Name the glial cells found in the PNS

Answer 7

Schwann cells and satellite cells

Question 8

What are the two types of synapses?

Answer 8

Electrical synapses and chemical synapses

Question 9

What is the role of neurotransmitters?

Answer 9

To facilitate communication between neurons at chemical synapses

Question 10

Which cells myelinate axons in the CNS and PNS?

Answer 10

Oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS

Question 11

What is the primary function of myelin?

Answer 11

To insulate axons and increase conduction velocity

Question 12

What is the difference between gray and white matter?

Answer 12

Gray matter contains cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons

White matter contains myelinated axons

Question 13

What are the main components of the CNS?

Answer 13

Brain and spinal cord

Question 14

What are the 3 connective tissue layers of a nerve

Answer 14

Epineurium, perineurium and endoneurium

Question 15

What is a ganglion?

Answer 15

A cluster of neuron cell bodies in the PNS

Question 16

Why is regeneration limited in the CNS?

Answer 16

Due to inhibitory factors and scar formation

Question 17

What facilitates regeneration in the PNS?

Answer 17

Schwann cells

Question 18

What are the components of a reflex arc?

Answer 18

Receptor —> Sensory Neuron —> CNS —> Motor Neuron —> Effector

Question 19

How is the autonomic nervous system divided?

Answer 19

Into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems

Question 20

What stain is used to visualise myelin?

Answer 20

Luxol fast blue

Question 21

What does the silver stain highlight in nerve tissue?

Answer 21

Axons

Question 22

What type of neuron is common in sensory pathways?

Answer 22

Unipolar (pseudounipolar) neurons

Question 23

What type of neuron is most abundant in the CNS?

Answer 23

Multipolar neurons

Question 24

Where are bipolar neurons commonly found?

Answer 24

In special sensory organs like the retina and olfactory epithelium

Question 25

What is the function of astrocytes?

Answer 25

They maintain the blood-brain barrier and provide metabolic support

Question 26

What is the role of microglia?

Answer 26

They act as the immune cells of the CNS, removing debris and pathogens

Question 27

What do ependymal cells produce?

Answer 27

Cerebrospinal fluid

Question 28

How do Schwann cells support axons in the PNS?

Answer 28

By forming myelin sheaths and aiding in axon regeneration

Question 29

What ions are crucial for action potential generation?

Answer 29

Sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+)

Question 30

What is saltatory conduction?

Answer 30

The jumping of action potentials between nodes of Ranvier in myelinated axons

Question 31

What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in neuromuscular junctions?

Answer 31

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 32

What is the difference in myelination between the CNS and PNS?

Answer 32

A single oligodendrocyte myelinates multiple axons in the CNS Each Schwann cell myelinates only 1 segment of a single axon in the PNS

Question 33

What are nodes of Ranvier?

Answer 33

Gaps between myelin sheaths where ion exchange occurs during nerve conduction

Question 34

What is a monosynaptic reflex?

Answer 34

A reflex arc involving only one synapse between the sensory and motor neuron (e.g. patellar reflex)

Question 35

What is a polysynaptic reflex?

Answer 35

A reflex involving one or more interneurons between sensory and motor neurons (e.g. withdrawal reflex)

Question 37

What is the main function of the cerebrum?

Answer 37

Higher-order functions like thought, memory and voluntary movement

Question 38

What is the role of the cerebellum?

Answer 38

Coordination of voluntary movements and balance

Question 39

What does the brainstem control?

Answer 39

Basic life functions like breathing, heart rate and blood pressure

Question 40

What is the role of sensory ganglia?

Answer 40

To house the cell bodies of sensory neurons

Question 41

What are autonomic ganglia?

Answer 41

Ganglia that contains the cell bodies of postganglionic autonomic neurons

Question 42

What is Wallerian degeneration?

Answer 42

The process of axon degeneration distal to a site of injury

Question 43

What factors inhibit CNS regeneration?

Answer 43

The presence of myelin-associated inhibitors and astrocyte-driven glial scar formation

Question 44

What disease is characterised by the demyelination of CNS neurons?

Answer 44

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Question 45

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Answer 45

A disorder where the immune system attacks the myelin in the PNS, causing weakness

Question 46

What is neuropathy?

Answer 46

Damage or dysfunction of peripheral nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, or pain

Question 47

What does Nissl staining highlight in neurons?

Answer 47

Rough endoplasmic reticulum in the soma, known as Nissl bodies

Question 48

What structures are visible in electron micrographs of synapses?

Answer 48

Synaptic vesicles, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic density