125 Questions
Which type of cells are the main signalling units of the nervous system?
Neurons
What is the function of glial cells in the nervous tissue?
Support, metabolism, and protection functions
Which type of glial cells are of neuroectodermal origin, like neurons?
Astroglia
What is the embryonic origin of microglia, a type of neuroglial cell?
Mesodermal
What is the function of microglial cells?
Eliminating waste and damaged structures in the CNS
What is the origin of microglial cells?
Mesodermal origin
What is the primary function of oligodendrocytes in the CNS?
Forming the myelin sheath for the axon
What is a specific marker for oligodendroglial cells?
Olig1 and Olig2
What distinguishes Schwann cells from oligodendrocytes?
Forming the myelin sheath for the axon
What is the function of satellite oligodendrocytes in the grey matter?
Monitoring the extracellular fluid around neurons
What is the primary function of Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellum?
Serving as a guide for the migration of new neurons
What distinguishes microglial cells from ependymal cells?
Origin from blood monocytes
What is the role of interfascicular oligodendrocytes in the white matter?
Forming the myelin sheath for the axon
What is the function of teloglial cells in the PNS?
Surrounding certain sensitive nerve endings
What is a specific marker for microglial cells?
MAC-1
What distinguishes satellite cells from Schwann cells?
Location in the grey matter
Which histochemical technique is used to stain astroglia cells?
Cajal’s gold sublimate
Where are protoplasmic astrocytes primarily found?
Grey matter
What forms the blood-brain barrier?
Terminal feet of astrocytes
What is the main function of astrocytes?
Modulation of neuronal signaling
Which cells line the cerebral ventricles and spinal cord central canal?
Ependymal epithelium
What are the cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium?
Ependymocytes, tanicytes, and choroid plexus cells
Which cells are related to the neuroendocrine system through the hypothalamus?
Tanicytes
What do choroid plexus cells secrete?
Cerebrospinal fluid
What is the main structural feature of the blood-brain barrier?
Terminal feet of astrocytes
Which glial cells are the most numerous?
Astrocytes
Where are fibrous astrocytes mainly located?
White matter
What do the cytoplasmic processes of astrocytes terminate in contact with?
Neurons, blood vessels, and leptomeninges
Neuroglial cells are mainly responsible for the signaling function in the nervous system.
False
The name 'neuroglia' is derived from the Greek word for glue.
True
There are between 10 and 50 times more glial cells than neurons in the vertebrate CNS.
True
Microglial cells are of mesodermal origin.
True
Radial glial cells serve as a guide for the migration of new neurons during the development of the central nervous system
True
Bergmann glial cells are the equivalent of radial glia in the cerebellum
True
Oligodendrocytes express GFAP in their cytoplasm
False
Oligodendrocytes are located in both the grey matter and the white matter of the CNS
True
Satellite oligodendrocytes are located next to the neuronal bodies in the grey matter and monitor the extracellular fluid around neurons
True
Interfascicular oligodendrocytes form the myelin sheath for the axons in the white matter of the CNS
True
Each interfascicular oligodendrocyte can envelop several internodes from different axons with myelin segments
True
Schwann cells can envelop more than one unmyelinated fiber in the PNS
True
A single Schwann cell produces the myelin sheath of a single axon in the peripheral nervous system
True
Microglial cells originate from blood monocytes and are found throughout the CNS
True
Microglial cells have a primary function of phagocytosis to eliminate waste and damaged structures in the central nervous system
True
Microglial cells secrete astrocyte growth factors
True
True or false: Astroglia cells include oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells.
False
True or false: Protoplasmic astrocytes are primarily found in white matter.
False
True or false: The blood-brain barrier is formed by the terminal feet of astrocytes.
True
True or false: Tanicytes are related to the neuroendocrine system.
True
True or false: Choroid plexus cells facilitate cerebrospinal fluid movement.
False
True or false: Astrocytes have an underdeveloped Golgi complex.
False
True or false: Ependymal epithelium lines the spinal cord central canal only.
False
True or false: Fibrous astrocytes are mainly located in grey matter.
False
True or false: Astrocytes' cytoplasmic processes terminate in contact with neurons, blood vessels, and glial cells.
False
True or false: Microglial cells have abundant mitochondria and glycogen accumulations.
False
True or false: Astrocytes play a role in lesion cleaning and repair.
True
True or false: Ependymal epithelium includes ependymocytes and choroid plexus cells.
True
Explain the difference between neurons and glial cells in the nervous tissue.
Neurons are the main signaling units of the nervous system, while glial cells are support cells that perform support, metabolism, and protection functions.
What are the two large groups of neuroglial cells in the central nervous system (CNS)?
The two large groups of neuroglial cells in the CNS are the macroglia (astroglia and oligodendroglia) and the microglia.
What is the embryonic origin of microglial cells?
Microglial cells are of mesodermal origin.
What is the primary function of neuroglial or glial cells in the nervous tissue?
The primary functions of glial cells are support, metabolism, and protection, since neurons do not come into contact with connective tissue or blood vessels.
Describe the staining technique used for astroglia cells and the specific marker they express.
Astroglia cells are stained with Cajal’s gold sublimate histochemical technique and express GFAP.
Where are protoplasmic astrocytes primarily located?
Protoplasmic astrocytes are found in grey matter.
What forms the blood-brain barrier, and what is its function?
The blood-brain barrier is formed by the terminal feet of astrocytes, preventing free circulation of substances between capillaries and nervous tissue.
What are the functions of astrocytes?
Functions of astrocytes include mechanical support, modulation of neuronal signaling, tissue isolation, energy metabolism, and lesion cleaning and repair.
Name the cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium and give a specific function for each.
Cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium include ependymocytes, tanicytes, and choroid plexus cells. Tanicytes extend processes through the hypothalamus and are related to the neuroendocrine system. Choroid plexus cells secrete cerebrospinal fluid and have specific structural features.
What are the specific structural features of choroid plexus cells?
Choroid plexus cells have specific structural features and secrete cerebrospinal fluid.
Where do fibrous astrocytes predominantly localize?
Fibrous astrocytes are mainly in white matter.
What are the specific structural features of choroid plexus cells?
Choroid plexus cells have specific structural features and secrete cerebrospinal fluid.
What are the functions of astrocytes?
Functions of astrocytes include mechanical support, modulation of neuronal signaling, tissue isolation, energy metabolism, and lesion cleaning and repair.
Where are protoplasmic astrocytes primarily located?
Protoplasmic astrocytes are found in grey matter.
What forms the blood-brain barrier, and what is its function?
The blood-brain barrier is formed by the terminal feet of astrocytes, preventing free circulation of substances between capillaries and nervous tissue.
Name the cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium and give a specific function for each.
Cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium include ependymocytes, tanicytes, and choroid plexus cells. Tanicytes extend processes through the hypothalamus and are related to the neuroendocrine system. Choroid plexus cells secrete cerebrospinal fluid and have specific structural features.
What are the cells of the radial glial cells responsible for during the development of the central nervous system?
They serve as a guide for the migration of new neurons.
What is the etymological meaning of 'oligodendrocyte'?
Cell with few processes.
What specific markers are used to identify oligodendroglial cells?
Olig1 and Olig2.
Where are satellite oligodendrocytes located and what is their proposed function?
They are located next to the neuronal bodies in the grey matter and may act as reserve cells for interfascicular oligodendrocytes.
What is the primary function of microglial cells in the central nervous system?
Phagocytosis to eliminate waste and damaged structures.
What is the primary function of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system?
Wrapping around axons and forming myelin sheaths.
What is the origin of microglial cells?
They have a mesodermal origin and come from blood monocytes.
What distinguishes Schwann cells from oligodendrocytes?
Schwann cells can envelop more than one unmyelinated fiber in the PNS.
What is the function of teloglial cells in the PNS?
They surround certain sensitive nerve endings.
What is the primary function of Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellum?
They serve as a guide for the migration of new neurons.
What is the primary function of interfascicular oligodendrocytes in the white matter of the CNS?
Forming the myelin sheath for the axons.
What specific markers are used to identify microglial cells?
MAC-1, MAC-3, F4/80, MHC class I, and class II antigens.
Protoplasmic astrocytes are found in ______ matter, while fibrous astrocytes are mainly in white matter.
grey
The blood-brain barrier is formed by the terminal feet of ______, preventing free circulation of substances between capillaries and nervous tissue.
astrocytes
Functions of astrocytes include mechanical support, modulation of neuronal signaling, tissue isolation, energy metabolism, and lesion cleaning and ______.
repair
Ependymal epithelium lines cerebral ventricles and spinal cord central canal, with cells facilitating ______ fluid movement.
cerebrospinal
Tanicytes extend processes through the hypothalamus and are related to the ______ system.
neuroendocrine
Choroid plexus cells secrete ______ fluid and have specific structural features.
cerebrospinal
Astrocytes have an underdeveloped RER and Golgi complex, abundant mitochondria, and ______ accumulations.
glycogen
Cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium include ependymocytes, ______, and choroid plexus cells.
tanicytes
The blood-brain barrier is formed by the terminal feet of astrocytes, ______ free circulation of substances between capillaries and nervous tissue.
preventing
Ependymal epithelium lines cerebral ventricles and ______ central canal, with cells facilitating cerebrospinal fluid movement.
spinal cord
Astrocytes' cytoplasmic processes terminate in ______, making contact with neurons, blood vessels, and leptomeninges.
pedicels
Astroglia cells are stained with Cajal’s gold sublimate histochemical technique and express ______.
GFAP
Neuroglial cells are also called neuroglia or simply glia, and are much more numerous than ______ in the vertebrate CNS
neurons
The name 'neuroglia' is derived from the Greek word for ______, reflecting the 19th century assumption that the glia held the nervous system together in some way
glue
The neuroglia is divided into two large groups depending on their location: neuroglia of the central nervous system and neuroglia of the ______ nervous system
peripheral
Neuroglial cells of the CNS are interstitial cells that are located between the neurons of the brain and the spinal cord. They are divided into two large groups based on their size, but also on their embryonic origin: The cells of the macroglia, larger, present two varieties: the astroglia and the ______
oligodendroglia
During the development of the central nervous system, some ependymal cells present long cytoplasmic processes that reach the surface of the nervous parenchyma; They are the cells of the ______, which serve as a guide for the migration of new neurons. After the development of the CNS, these cells of the radial glia retract their processes and many of them transform into free astrocytes. In the cerebellum, the cells equivalent to the radial glia are the Bergmann glial cells.
Radial Glial cells
______ were described by Del Rio Hortega using the Golgi’s method. They resemble astrocytes but are smaller and have fewer cytoplasmic processes which, in turn, are less branched.
Oligodendrocytes
They are small, stellate or spindle-shaped, with scant, dense and dark cytoplasm with 2 or more spiny processes. They present a small, oval, nucleus with dense chromatin and numerous primary lysosomes in the cytoplasm.
Microglial cells
______ wrap around axons in the peripheral nervous system and can form two types of sheaths: non-myelinated and myelinated. Axons without myelin sheath are called unmyelinated fibres, and axons with myelin sheaths are called myelinated fibres or peripheral nerves.
Schwann cells
They resemble astrocytes but are smaller and have fewer cytoplasmic processes which, in turn, are less branched.
Oligodendrocytes
______ were described by Pío del Rio Hortega in 1919 using the silver carbonate technique. They have a mesodermal origin, they come from blood monocytes, which is evidenced by their morphology, as well as their proliferative and cytochemical capacity that show that it is a class of brain mononuclear phagocyte.
Microglial cells
These cells wrap around axons in the peripheral nervous system and can form two types of sheaths: non-myelinated and myelinated.
Schwann cells
The oligodendrocytes were described by Del Rio Hortega using the Golgi’s method. They resemble astrocytes but are smaller and have fewer cytoplasmic processes which, in turn, are less branched.
Oligodendrocytes
They have a mesodermal origin, they come from blood monocytes, which is evidenced by their morphology, as well as their proliferative and cytochemical capacity that show that it is a class of brain mononuclear phagocyte.
Microglial cells
These cells of the radial glia retract their processes and many of them transform into free astrocytes. In the cerebellum, the cells equivalent to the radial glia are the Bergmann glial cells.
Radial Glial cells
______ have a mesodermal origin, they come from blood monocytes, which is evidenced by their morphology, as well as their proliferative and cytochemical capacity that show that it is a class of brain mononuclear phagocyte.
Microglial cells
______ resemble astrocytes but are smaller and have fewer cytoplasmic processes which, in turn, are less branched.
Oligodendrocytes
Match the following types of glial cells with their embryonic origin:
Astroglia = Neuroectodermal origin Oligodendroglia = Neuroectodermal origin Microglia = Mesodermal origin Ependymal cells = Neuroectodermal origin
Match the following types of glial cells with their primary location in the nervous system:
Astroglia = Located between the neurons of the brain and spinal cord Oligodendroglia = Located between the neurons of the brain and spinal cord Microglia = Found throughout the central nervous system Ependymal cells = Line cerebral ventricles and spinal cord central canal
Match the following types of glial cells with their primary functions:
Astroglia = Support, metabolism, and protection functions Oligodendroglia = Responsible for myelination of axons in the CNS Microglia = Phagocytosis to eliminate waste and damaged structures in the CNS Ependymal cells = Facilitate cerebrospinal fluid movement
Match the following types of glial cells with their specific markers used for identification:
Astroglia = Express GFAP in their cytoplasm Oligodendroglia = Specific marker yet to be mentioned Microglia = Specific marker yet to be mentioned Ependymal cells = Specific marker yet to be mentioned
Match the following statements with the correct glial cell type:
Astroglia cells are stained with Cajal’s gold sublimate histochemical technique and express GFAP. = Astrocytes Astroglia cells include astrocytes and ependymocytes, located in both grey and white matter. = Astroglia Ependymal epithelium lines cerebral ventricles and spinal cord central canal, with cells facilitating cerebrospinal fluid movement. = Ependymocytes Tanicytes extend processes through the hypothalamus and are related to the neuroendocrine system. = Tanicytes
Match the specific structural features with the correct cell type:
Irregular, star-shaped bodies and cytoplasmic processes terminating in pedicels. = Astrocytes Underdeveloped RER and Golgi complex, abundant mitochondria, and glycogen accumulations. = Astrocytes Secrete cerebrospinal fluid. = Choroid plexus cells Facilitate cerebrospinal fluid movement. = Ependymocytes
Match the functions with the correct glial cell type:
Mechanical support, modulation of neuronal signaling, tissue isolation, energy metabolism, and lesion cleaning and repair. = Astrocytes Facilitating cerebrospinal fluid movement. = Ependymocytes Related to the neuroendocrine system. = Tanicytes Forming the blood-brain barrier. = Astrocytes
Match the following types of glial cells with their specific markers:
Oligodendrocytes = Olig1 and Olig2 Microglia = MAC-1, MAC-3, F4/80 Astrocytes = GFAP Schwann cells = Not specified
Match the following types of glial cells with their primary function:
Oligodendrocytes = Form the myelin sheath for the axon in the CNS Microglia = Phagocytosis to eliminate waste and damaged structures in the CNS Astrocytes = Regulate the extracellular fluid around neurons Schwann cells = Wrap around axons in the PNS and form myelinated or non-myelinated sheaths
Match the following types of glial cells with their specific location in the nervous tissue:
Oligodendrocytes = Both grey matter and white matter in the CNS Microglia = Throughout the nervous tissue of the CNS Astrocytes = Primarily located in the grey matter of the CNS Schwann cells = Peripheral nervous system
Match the following types of glial cells with their embryonic origin:
Oligodendrocytes = Neuroectodermal origin, like neurons Microglia = Mesodermal origin, come from blood monocytes Astrocytes = Neuroectodermal origin, like neurons Schwann cells = Not specified
Match the following types of glial cells with their specific structural features:
Oligodendrocytes = Spherical cell body, with short and thin branches, no glyofilaments Microglia = Small, stellate or spindle-shaped, with scant, dense and dark cytoplasm Astrocytes = Highly developed Golgi and RER, microtubules in the branches, express GFAP Schwann cells = Wrap around axons and can form myelinated or non-myelinated sheaths
Match the following types of glial cells with their specific histochemical markers:
Oligodendrocytes = Esterase and carbonic anhydrase Microglia = MHC class I and class II antigens after nerve tissue injury Astrocytes = Not specified Schwann cells = Not specified
Study Notes
Macroglia Cells: Astroglia
- Astroglia cells are stained with Cajal’s gold sublimate histochemical technique and express GFAP.
- Astroglia cells include astrocytes and ependymocytes, located in both grey and white matter.
- Astrocytes are the most numerous glial cells and have irregular, star-shaped bodies.
- Protoplasmic astrocytes are found in grey matter, while fibrous astrocytes are mainly in white matter.
- Astrocytes' cytoplasmic processes terminate in pedicels, making contact with neurons, blood vessels, and leptomeninges.
- The blood-brain barrier is formed by the terminal feet of astrocytes, preventing free circulation of substances between capillaries and nervous tissue.
- Astrocytes have an underdeveloped RER and Golgi complex, abundant mitochondria, and glycogen accumulations.
- Functions of astrocytes include mechanical support, modulation of neuronal signaling, tissue isolation, energy metabolism, and lesion cleaning and repair.
- Ependymal epithelium lines cerebral ventricles and spinal cord central canal, with cells facilitating cerebrospinal fluid movement.
- Cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium include ependymocytes, tanicytes, and choroid plexus cells.
- Tanicytes extend processes through the hypothalamus and are related to the neuroendocrine system.
- Choroid plexus cells secrete cerebrospinal fluid and have specific structural features.
Macroglia Cells: Astroglia
- Astroglia cells are stained with Cajal’s gold sublimate histochemical technique and express GFAP.
- Astroglia cells include astrocytes and ependymocytes, located in both grey and white matter.
- Astrocytes are the most numerous glial cells and have irregular, star-shaped bodies.
- Protoplasmic astrocytes are found in grey matter, while fibrous astrocytes are mainly in white matter.
- Astrocytes' cytoplasmic processes terminate in pedicels, making contact with neurons, blood vessels, and leptomeninges.
- The blood-brain barrier is formed by the terminal feet of astrocytes, preventing free circulation of substances between capillaries and nervous tissue.
- Astrocytes have an underdeveloped RER and Golgi complex, abundant mitochondria, and glycogen accumulations.
- Functions of astrocytes include mechanical support, modulation of neuronal signaling, tissue isolation, energy metabolism, and lesion cleaning and repair.
- Ependymal epithelium lines cerebral ventricles and spinal cord central canal, with cells facilitating cerebrospinal fluid movement.
- Cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium include ependymocytes, tanicytes, and choroid plexus cells.
- Tanicytes extend processes through the hypothalamus and are related to the neuroendocrine system.
- Choroid plexus cells secrete cerebrospinal fluid and have specific structural features.
Macroglia Cells: Astroglia
- Astroglia cells are stained with Cajal’s gold sublimate histochemical technique and express GFAP.
- Astroglia cells include astrocytes and ependymocytes, located in both grey and white matter.
- Astrocytes are the most numerous glial cells and have irregular, star-shaped bodies.
- Protoplasmic astrocytes are found in grey matter, while fibrous astrocytes are mainly in white matter.
- Astrocytes' cytoplasmic processes terminate in pedicels, making contact with neurons, blood vessels, and leptomeninges.
- The blood-brain barrier is formed by the terminal feet of astrocytes, preventing free circulation of substances between capillaries and nervous tissue.
- Astrocytes have an underdeveloped RER and Golgi complex, abundant mitochondria, and glycogen accumulations.
- Functions of astrocytes include mechanical support, modulation of neuronal signaling, tissue isolation, energy metabolism, and lesion cleaning and repair.
- Ependymal epithelium lines cerebral ventricles and spinal cord central canal, with cells facilitating cerebrospinal fluid movement.
- Cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium include ependymocytes, tanicytes, and choroid plexus cells.
- Tanicytes extend processes through the hypothalamus and are related to the neuroendocrine system.
- Choroid plexus cells secrete cerebrospinal fluid and have specific structural features.
Macroglia Cells: Astroglia
- Astroglia cells are stained with Cajal’s gold sublimate histochemical technique and express GFAP.
- Astroglia cells include astrocytes and ependymocytes, located in both grey and white matter.
- Astrocytes are the most numerous glial cells and have irregular, star-shaped bodies.
- Protoplasmic astrocytes are found in grey matter, while fibrous astrocytes are mainly in white matter.
- Astrocytes' cytoplasmic processes terminate in pedicels, making contact with neurons, blood vessels, and leptomeninges.
- The blood-brain barrier is formed by the terminal feet of astrocytes, preventing free circulation of substances between capillaries and nervous tissue.
- Astrocytes have an underdeveloped RER and Golgi complex, abundant mitochondria, and glycogen accumulations.
- Functions of astrocytes include mechanical support, modulation of neuronal signaling, tissue isolation, energy metabolism, and lesion cleaning and repair.
- Ependymal epithelium lines cerebral ventricles and spinal cord central canal, with cells facilitating cerebrospinal fluid movement.
- Cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium include ependymocytes, tanicytes, and choroid plexus cells.
- Tanicytes extend processes through the hypothalamus and are related to the neuroendocrine system.
- Choroid plexus cells secrete cerebrospinal fluid and have specific structural features.
Macroglia Cells: Astroglia
- Astroglia cells are stained with Cajal’s gold sublimate histochemical technique and express GFAP.
- Astroglia cells include astrocytes and ependymocytes, located in both grey and white matter.
- Astrocytes are the most numerous glial cells and have irregular, star-shaped bodies.
- Protoplasmic astrocytes are found in grey matter, while fibrous astrocytes are mainly in white matter.
- Astrocytes' cytoplasmic processes terminate in pedicels, making contact with neurons, blood vessels, and leptomeninges.
- The blood-brain barrier is formed by the terminal feet of astrocytes, preventing free circulation of substances between capillaries and nervous tissue.
- Astrocytes have an underdeveloped RER and Golgi complex, abundant mitochondria, and glycogen accumulations.
- Functions of astrocytes include mechanical support, modulation of neuronal signaling, tissue isolation, energy metabolism, and lesion cleaning and repair.
- Ependymal epithelium lines cerebral ventricles and spinal cord central canal, with cells facilitating cerebrospinal fluid movement.
- Cell varieties of the ependymal epithelium include ependymocytes, tanicytes, and choroid plexus cells.
- Tanicytes extend processes through the hypothalamus and are related to the neuroendocrine system.
- Choroid plexus cells secrete cerebrospinal fluid and have specific structural features.
Test your knowledge of macroglia cells with a focus on astroglia, including astrocytes and ependymocytes. Learn about their structure, functions, and roles in the central nervous system.
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