neurons Flashcards by Charlotte Watkins | Brainscape

Flashcards in neurons Deck (16)

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1

what are neurons

the functional unit of a nerve cell

2

what is the function of neurons?

communication: send signals round body

3

how do neurons communicate?

reversal or Ep- loss- wave of depolarisation, causes AP, AP delivers message to other neurons via neurotransmitter

4

what is a dendrite?

part of a neuron which extends from the cell body and is highly branched

5

how do dendrites connect neurons?

they form synapses with adjacent neurons

6

what do dendrites do?

respond to external stimuli by conveying incoming info to cell body

7

what is an axon specialised for?

AP

8

what do axons do?

rapidly propagate signal from body to axon terminal

9

describe axon myelination

axons in CNS are always myelinated, in PNS can be either

10

what are glial cells?

support cells; protect, provide nutrients and immune function to neurons

11

what are the 2 types of glial cell in PNS?

schwaan cell and satellite cell

12

what are the 4 types of glial cell in CNS?

ependymal cells, astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes

13

what is an ependymal cell?

simple ciliated cuboidal epithelium, lines fluid-filled cavities in brain + spinal canal

14

what are microglia?

v small phagocytic cells which remove invading microbes and dead cells from CNS

15

what are oligodendrocytes?

neuroglia of white matter, structural and mechanical support, form myelin sheath around all CNS axons

16

what are astrocytes?

large numerous cells which give mechanical support, form blood-brain barrier, regulate chemical environment