Neurons and Glial Cells

Question 1

What is the difference between neurons and glial cells?

Answer 1

Neurons: These are the main cells in the nervous system that send and receive information. They communicate with each other by sending electrical and chemical signals, which allows us to think, feel, move, and sense the world.

Glial cells: These are the “helper” cells. They don’t send signals like neurons do. Instead, they support, protect, and take care of neurons by providing nutrients, cleaning up waste, and helping neurons send signals faster (by forming myelin around them).

Question 2

Where are Glial cells found?

Answer 2

1. Central Nervous System (Brain + spinal cord)
2. Peripheral Nervous System (Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord)

Question 3

What Glial Cells are found in the CNS?

Answer 3

1. Ependymal Cells: Help form barriers in the brain and spinal cord.
2. Astrocytes: Clean up excess chemicals, provide nutrients, and help form the blood-brain barrier (which protects the brain).
3. Microglia: Act as immune cells, cleaning up waste and protecting against infections.
4. Oligodendrocytes: Wrap around neurons to form a myelin sheath, which helps speed up signals sent by neurons.

Question 4

What Glial Cells are found in the PNS?

Answer 4

1. Schwann Cells: Also form myelin sheaths around neurons in the PNS to help speed up signals.
2. Satellite Cells: Support and protect neuron cell bodies in the PNS.