Nervous System Lecture 17

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Questions and Answers

Which structures comprise the central nervous system (CNS)?

Peripheral nerves and nerve ganglia

Neuron cell bodies and synapses

Dendrites and axons

Brain and spinal cord (correct)

What is the primary function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Makes myelin

Provides structural support and participates in the blood-brain barrier (correct)

Eats up debris and dead cells

Lines cavities of the CNS

Which statement about neurons is correct?

Neurons lack a cytoskeleton

The cell body can receive synaptic input (correct)

Neurons are the least abundant cell type in the brain

Neurons can have multiple axons but only one dendrite

What is the main role of oligodendrocytes in the nervous system?

Making myelin in the CNS Signup and view all the answers

How do Schwann cells differ from oligodendrocytes?

Oligodendrocytes make myelin in the CNS while Schwann cells do so in the PNS Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cell type is responsible for consuming debris and dead cells?

Microglial cell Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the structures involved in the peripheral nervous system?

They include peripheral nerves and nerve ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What specific feature originates at the axon hillock of a neuron?

The axon Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Nissl substance in a neuron?

Synthesizes proteins needed for neuron function Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of astrocytes?

Producing myelin sheaths Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the axon hillock in a neuron?

It is the origin of the axon, where nerve impulses are generated Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between neurons and glial cells?

Neurons rely on glial cells for their structural support and function Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glial cell is primarily responsible for forming myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system?

Schwann cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes peripheral nerves and ganglia Signup and view all the answers

Which of these structures is NOT part of a neuron?

Synapse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of microtubules in a neuron?

Transport materials along the axon Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System Organization

The nervous system consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
CNS includes the brain and spinal cord
PNS includes peripheral nerves and nerve ganglia (groups of nerve cell bodies outside the CNS)
PNS has motor and sensory components

Neurons

Cell body maintains the cell and receives synaptic input
Tons of Nissl substance (rough ER) present in the cell body
Multiple dendrites receive impulses
One axon originates at the "axon hillock" and sends out impulses
Cytoskeleton contains neurofilaments (for structure) and microtubules (for transport along axons)
Large pale nucleus with a nucleolus present

Glial Cells

10 times more abundant than neurons in the brain
Support and protect neurons
Five types of glial cells with different functions:
- Astrocyte: provides structural support, participates in blood-brain barrier, and is located in the CNS
- Oligodendrocyte: makes myelin and is located in the CNS
- Schwann cell: makes myelin and is located in the PNS
- Ependymal cell: lines cavities of CNS
- Microglial cell: eats up debris and dead cells, and is located in the CNS

Additional Facts

Astrocyte foot processes bind to capillaries and neurons
Neuropil is a region where neurons and glial cells interact

Nervous System Organization

The nervous system consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
CNS includes the brain and spinal cord
PNS includes peripheral nerves and nerve ganglia (groups of nerve cell bodies outside the CNS)
PNS has motor and sensory components

Neurons

Cell body maintains the cell and receives synaptic input
Tons of Nissl substance (rough ER) present in the cell body
Multiple dendrites receive impulses
One axon originates at the "axon hillock" and sends out impulses
Cytoskeleton contains neurofilaments (for structure) and microtubules (for transport along axons)
Large pale nucleus with a nucleolus present

Glial Cells

10 times more abundant than neurons in the brain
Support and protect neurons
Five types of glial cells with different functions:
- Astrocyte: provides structural support, participates in blood-brain barrier, and is located in the CNS
- Oligodendrocyte: makes myelin and is located in the CNS
- Schwann cell: makes myelin and is located in the PNS
- Ependymal cell: lines cavities of CNS
- Microglial cell: eats up debris and dead cells, and is located in the CNS