Neural Tissues

Question 1

What is the definition of ganglion and nucleus?

Answer 1

Ganglion is a group of cell bodies outside of the CNS

Nucleus is a group of cell bodies in the CNS

Question 2

What are Brodman areas and how many are there?

Answer 2

Different regions of the cortex with each one having a particular set of inputs/outputs and they will have a particular function

Question 3

What is a process of a neuron and what are some examples?

Answer 3

Any outgrowth from the cell body of a neuron.

Examples include axons and dendrites

Question 4

What is the function of myelin?

Answer 4

To wrap around axons and acts as an electrical insulator, allowing for faster conduction velocity

Question 5

What factors can increase the conduction velocity of axons?

Answer 5

Increase in myelin content

Increase in axon diameter

Question 6

What are examples of post synaptic cells?

Answer 6

Myocyte

Gland

Neuron

Question 7

What is the difference between divergent and convergent neurones, and give an example of where each can be located?

Answer 7

Divergent neurons are single neurons that provide signal to multiple neurons (e.g. skin)

Convergent neutrons are when a single neuron receives input from multiple neurons (e.g. retina)

Question 8

What are interneurons and where are they found?

Answer 8

Interneurons are neurons that process signals (so they are neither sensory nor motor) and they are only found in the CNS - making up 80% of the brain.

Question 9

What are glial cells?

Answer 9

Cells that serve to protect and support neurons

Question 10

In what ways to glial cells differ from neutrons?

Answer 10

1) Able to divide
2) Unable to form synapses
3) Have no action potentials
4) Can form myelin sheaths

Question 11

Do we have more glial cells or more neurons in our body?

Answer 11

More glial cells

Question 12

What are the different types of glial cells, and where are they found?

Answer 12

CNS:

• Astrocytes
• Oligodendrocytes
• Microglia
• Ependymal cells

PNS:

• Schwann cells
• Satellite cells

Question 13

What is the structure and function of astrocytes?

Answer 13

Star-shaped

• Support neurons and assist in their development
• Protect neurons from harmful substances
• Able to control vasodilation of local blood vessels

Question 14

What is the function of oligodendrocytes?

Answer 14

To produce and maintain myelin sheaths

One oligodendrocyte is able to myelinate multiple axons

Question 15

What is the function of microglial cells?

Answer 15

They are immune cells so protect neurons from disease.

They are able to migrate to injury sites and engulf microbes/debris

Question 16

What do microglial cells develop from?

Answer 16

Monocytes

Question 17

What is the function of ependymal cells?

Answer 17

Line the brain ventricles and central canal and aid with the production of CSF.

Question 18

What is the function of Schwann cells?

Answer 18

• One Schwann cell will wrap around an axon multiple times to produce and maintain the myelin sheath
• Involved in the regeneration of axons in the PNS

Question 19

What is the function of satellite cells?

Answer 19

To support neurons and regulate the exchange of fluids

Question 20

What are gliomas and where are they located?

Answer 20

Highly malignant tumours found in the brain (making them difficult to remove)

Question 21

What is a neuroblastoma, and what population is it more common in?

Answer 21

Tumour from the neural crest cells of the sympathetic NS and is normally found outside of the cranium.

More common in infants/children