Neuroglia in the Central Nervous System

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Questions and Answers

Which type of neuroglia is primarily responsible for forming the myelin sheath around CNS axons?

Oligodendrocytes (correct)
Ependymal cells
Astrocytes
Microglial cells

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

Form the lining of brain cavities
Regulate blood vessel permeability
Provide structural support and stimulate neural growth (correct)
Engulf cellular debris

What is the primary role of microglial cells in the nervous system?

Regulate ion balance
Provide insulation to axons
Engulf cellular debris and pathogens (correct)
Formulate cerebrospinal fluid

What characteristic of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) allows selective permeability to substances?

<p>It has a filtering mechanism in blood capillaries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuroglia aids in the production and monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid?

<p>Ependymal cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Oligodendrocytes

CNS glial cells that form myelin sheaths around axons, but do not form neurilemma. Axon regeneration is impossible.

Astrocytes

CNS glial cells providing structural support and stimulating neural growth, regulating ion, nutrient, and gas concentrations, influencing synaptic transmission, absorbing and recycling neurotransmitters, and forming scar tissue.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

A filtering mechanism of brain capillaries that selectively allows certain substances into the CNS while restricting others.

Microglial cells

Phagocytic CNS glial cells that remove cellular debris, wastes, and pathogens by engulfing them.

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Ependymal cells

Simple cuboidal to columnar epithelial cells lining cavities in the brain and spinal cord, aiding in the production and monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

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Study Notes

Neuroglia in the Central Nervous System

Oligodendrocytes: Wrap plasma membrane around CNS axons to form myelin.
They do not form a neurilemma, and axon regeneration is impossible.
Astrocytes: Provide support, stimulate neural growth, and regulate ion, nutrient, and dissolved gas concentrations.
They influence synaptic transmission, absorb and recycle neurotransmitters, and form scar tissue at injury sites.
They also form the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

Regulates exchange between blood and neurons.
Acts as a filtering mechanism for capillaries supplying blood to the brain and spinal cord.
A selectively permeable barrier, controlling which substances can pass through.

Microglial Cells

Phagocytic cells that migrate through nervous tissue.
Act as a janitorial service and police force by engulfing cellular debris, waste, and pathogens.

Ependymal Cells

Form simple cuboidal to columnar epithelial lining of brain and spinal cord cavities.
Assist in production and monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).