Histology of Nervous Tissue Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the major function of a neuron?

To generate and transmit nerve impulses

What is the function of microglia?

Phagocytosis of debris (dead cells, bacteria, etc.)

What do oligodendrocytes do?

Form myelin around axons in CNS

What is the role of astrocytes?

Support neurons and regulate the chemical environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ependymal cells?

Line cavities of the brain and aid in circulation of cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

Name the PNS neuroglial that forms myelin.

Schwann Cell Signup and view all the answers

Name the PNS neuroglial that surrounds dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Satellite cells Signup and view all the answers

What do the brain and spinal cord collectively refer to?

CNS Signup and view all the answers

What are specialized supporting cells in the CNS called?

Neuroglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the junction point of close contact between neurons?

Synaptic cleft Signup and view all the answers

What do you call a bundle of axons inside the CNS?

Tract Signup and view all the answers

What is a neuron serving as part of the conduction pathway between sensory and motor neurons called?

Interneuron Signup and view all the answers

What collectively refers to ganglia and spinal and cranial nerves?

PNS Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron conducts impulses away from the CNS?

Efferent Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron conducts impulses toward the CNS from the body periphery?

Afferent Signup and view all the answers

What are the chemicals released by neurons that stimulate or inhibit other neurons called?

Neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is the region of the cell body from which the axon originates?

Axon hillock Signup and view all the answers

What part of a neuron secretes neurotransmitters?

Axon terminal Signup and view all the answers

What is the receptive region of a neuron?

Dendrite and neuronal cell body Signup and view all the answers

What insulates the nerve fibers?

Myelin sheath Signup and view all the answers

What is the site of the nucleus and the most important metabolic area of a neuron?

Neuronal cell body Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in the transport of substances within the neuron?

Neurofibril Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as essentially rough endoplasmic reticulum important metabolically?

Chromatophilic substance Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as the impulse generator and transmitter of a neuron?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

What substance is found in synaptic vesicles of the axon terminal?

Neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What role do neurotransmitters play in neurotransmission?

Carries electrical impulse from one neuron to the next Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical characteristic determines whether a neuron is classified as unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar?

The number of processes issuing from the cell body Signup and view all the answers

Which neuron type is unipolar?

Sensory Neuron Signup and view all the answers

Which neuron types are most likely multipolar?

Motor neuron and interneuron Signup and view all the answers

Describe how Schwann cells form the myelin sheath.

Schwann cells wrap around the axon in a jelly roll fashion, forming a tight coil of membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is a nerve?

A bundle of axons wrapped in connective tissue extending to/from the CNS and body structures. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the endoneurium located?

Surrounds axons Signup and view all the answers

Where is the perineurium located?

Surrounds a bundle of axons Signup and view all the answers

Where is the epineurium located?

Surrounds all of the axons contributing to a nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the connective tissue wrappings in a nerve?

To protect and insulate the delicate nerve fiber Signup and view all the answers

Define a mixed nerve.

Nerve containing both sensory and motor fibers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous Tissue Overview

Neurons are the primary functional units responsible for generating and transmitting nerve impulses.

Types of Neuroglial Cells in CNS

Microglia: Perform phagocytosis of debris including dead cells and bacteria.
Oligodendrocytes: Create myelin sheaths around axons in the central nervous system (CNS).
Astrocytes: Support neurons, may provide nutrients, and regulate the chemical environment around neurons.
Ependymal Cells: Line cavities of the brain and spinal cord, assist in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Neuroglia: Specialized supporting cells within the CNS crucial for overall brain function.

Types of Neuroglial Cells in PNS

Schwann Cells: Form the myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Satellite Cells: Surround and protect neuron cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglion.

Structural Components of the Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes ganglia as well as spinal and cranial nerves.

Neuron Types and Functions

Afferent Neurons: Conduct impulses toward the CNS from the body’s periphery.
Efferent Neurons: Carry impulses away from the CNS to muscles and glands.
Interneurons: Serve as connectors between sensory and motor neurons.

Synaptic Mechanisms

Synaptic Cleft: The junction where close contact between neurons occurs.
Neurotransmitters: Chemicals released by neurons to stimulate or inhibit target neurons or effectors, crucial for transmitting impulses across synapses.

Neuron Structure

Dendrites & Neuronal Cell Body: Receptive regions of a neuron.
Axon Hillock: Area from which the axon originates.
Axon: Main impulse generator and transmitter for signals.
Axon Terminal: Secretes neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons.

Myelination

Myelin Sheath: Insulates nerve fibers to improve signal transmission speed.
Formation of Myelin: Schwann cells wrap around axons in a coil-like fashion, creating the myelin sheath.

Nerve Composition

Nerve Definition: Bundles of axons wrapped in connective tissue, extending from the CNS to peripheral structures.
Connective Tissue Layers:
- Endoneurium: Surrounds individual axons.
- Perineurium: Encases bundles of axons.
- Epineurium: Covers the entire nerve, providing protection and insulation.

Nerve Functionality

Mixed Nerves: Contain both sensory and motor fibers, enabling bidirectional communication between CNS and body.
Importance of Connective Tissue: Protects and insulates delicate nerve fibers, ensuring proper function and integrity of nerve signals.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the histology of nervous tissue, highlighting key cell types such as neurons, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Learn their functions and significance in the nervous system through flashcard-style questions. Perfect for students studying neuroscience or histology!