Cellular Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for collecting incoming signals?

  • Dendrites (correct)
  • Presynaptic terminal
  • Axon hillock
  • Node of Ranvier
  • What type of neuron is characterized by having multiple dendrites and is the most common type found in the nervous system?

  • Unipolar
  • Bipolar
  • Pseudounipolar
  • Multipolar (correct)
  • What is the role of the axon hillock in a neuron?

  • Communication site with other neurons
  • Protection of the neuron
  • Integration center for incoming signals (correct)
  • Release of neurotransmitters
  • In which region does the presynaptic terminal function?

    <p>To transmit information to other neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of neuron has two axon roots and plays a significant role in sensory signaling?

    <p>Pseudounipolar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What function does the Node of Ranvier serve in a neuron?

    <p>Signal transmission enhancement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a bipolar neuron in terms of structure?

    <p>A single dendritic root plus an axon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of a neuron directly communicates with the postsynaptic cell?

    <p>Axon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are local potentials characterized by?

    <p>Change in membrane potential proportional to stimulus size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a typical type of local potential?

    <p>Action potentials generated in axons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a local potential when a stimulus causes hyperpolarization?

    <p>The membrane potential becomes more negative</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of local potential is generated through the binding of neurotransmitters?

    <p>Synaptic potential</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of excitatory and inhibitory effects, local potentials can be described as:

    <p>Either excitatory or inhibitory, based on the stimulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of myelinating neuroglia?

    <p>Forming a protective sheath around axons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the function of oligodendrocytes?

    <p>They prevent the dissipation of electrical currents in the CNS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference in the myelination process between Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes?

    <p>Schwann cells myelinate in the PNS, while oligodendrocytes do so in the CNS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the consequences of demyelination in a neural pathway?

    <p>Slowed transmission and possibly complete disruption of nerve impulses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is characterized by the destruction of oligodendrocytes?

    <p>Multiple Sclerosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary component of myelin that contributes to its insulating properties?

    <p>Lipids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of neural tissue would you predominantly find gray matter?

    <p>Neuron cell bodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of signs are expected in demyelinating diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system?

    <p>Only lower motor neuron signs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary function do astrocytes serve in the central nervous system?

    <p>Form a critical component of the blood-brain barrier</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of tumor is associated with oligodendrocytes?

    <p>Oligodendroglioma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of glioblastoma multiforme?

    <p>Typically found in the cerebrum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neuroglial cells are primarily responsible for immune functions in the CNS?

    <p>Microglia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do astrocytes contribute to the regulation of the extracellular environment in the CNS?

    <p>By regulating blood flow and nutrients to neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cells are involved in pruning weak neuronal synapses during development?

    <p>Microglia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of tumor is usually involved in aggressive growth within the brain and spinal cord?

    <p>Astrocytoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of satellite cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

    <p>Covering somas of neurons and regulating extracellular fluid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of summation in neuronal signaling?

    <p>To combine depolarizing potentials to reach action potential threshold</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initiates the fast depolarization phase of an action potential?

    <p>Influx of Na+ ions when threshold is reached</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon occurs in myelinated axons that increases conduction speed?

    <p>Saltatory conduction jumping between nodes of Ranvier</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which phase of an action potential does hyperpolarization occur?

    <p>When K+ channels remain open after repolarization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the resting membrane potential (RMP) of a neuron typically considered to be?

    <p>-70mV</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles?

    <p>Influx of Ca2+ ions into the presynaptic terminal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of injury is associated with antipsychotic medication in the context of schizophrenia management?

    <p>Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) injury</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the efflux of K+ ions during the action potential process?

    <p>It initiates the repolarization phase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the expected effect of a dopamine antagonist on movement and behavior in patients?

    <p>Flat affect and impaired movement control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the 'all-or-none' principle of action potentials?

    <p>An action potential happens completely or not at all once the threshold is reached</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of hypertonicity in the context of neurological injuries?

    <p>Increased muscle tone with stiffness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of myelin in the nervous system?

    <p>Increases synaptic transmission speed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of medication is botulinum toxin considered in relation to neuromuscular function?

    <p>Acetylcholine antagonist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the consequences of dysfunction in myelin?

    <p>Significant impairments in CNS and PNS function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be expected from the medication effects on neurotransmitters?

    <p>They can cause both agonist and antagonist effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do action potentials contribute to neural communication?

    <p>They facilitate the release of neuromessengers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Cellular Overview

    • Neuroscience I, PT 8203, Rachel Wilcox, DPT, MS, Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
    • Course focuses on cellular components of the nervous system

    Learning Objectives

    • Describe the core components of a neuron.
    • Categorize neuron and glial cell types based on function.
    • Explain the role of myelin in signal transmission and its clinical applications.
    • Detail action potential generation and transmission.
    • Contrast different neurotransmitters.
    • Explore the impacts of agonists and antagonists clinically.

    Cellular Organization of Nervous System

    • Two main cell types: neurons and neuroglia.
    • Neurons are the basic structural and functional units, connecting with other neurons and body cells.
      • Receive input, process, and generate output (electrical).
    • Neuroglia provide critical support to neurons.
      • Similar to support staff within the nervous system (utility poles, scaffolding).

    Neuron Structure

    • Neurons are designed for receiving, processing, and transmitting information.
    • Key components include dendrites, soma, axon hillock, axon, myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier, presynaptic terminal, and synapse.

    Anatomy Review

    • Dendrites: Branch-like extensions receiving input.
    • Synapse: The point of communication between neurons.
    • Soma: Cell body, contains organelles.
    • Axon Hillock: Region where the axon emerges from the soma.
    • Axon: Long extension carrying signals.
    • Myelin Sheath: Fatty insulation around some axons.
    • Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath aiding in signal transmission.
    • Presynaptic Terminal: End of the axon at a synapse.
    • Synaptic Cleft: The space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.

    Classification of Neurons

    • Morphology: Classification based on shape:

      • Multipolar: Multiple dendrites, one axon (most common).
      • Bipolar: One main dendrite and one axon.
      • Pseudounipolar: Has one axon root, with an extension acting as a dendrite
    • Function: Classification based on the direction of signal flow:

      • Afferent (Sensory): Towards CNS
      • Efferent (Motor): Away from CNS
      • Interneurons: Relay signals within the CNS

    Morphological Classification of Neurones

    • Multipolar: Most frequent; several dendrites, one axon. Examples include lower motor neurons and Purkinje fibers.
    • Bipolar: One axon and one dendrite. Includes retinal and olfactory neurons.
    • Pseudounipolar: One axon root extending into two, acting as a dendrite and axon. Examples are somatosensory neurons.

    Functional Classification of Neurons

    • Afferent: Sensory neurons transporting information toward the CNS.
    • Efferent: Motor neurons carrying information away from the CNS.
    • Interneurons: Connect neurons within the CNS; important in relaying signals between neurons and forming circuits.

    Classification of Neuroglia

    • Neuroglia support and protect neurons.
    • Factors to consider: primary function, location in the CNS or PNS (Central or Peripheral nervous system), and role in signaling/nourishing/cleaning and defending the CNS.

    Myelinating Neuroglia

    • Myelin, made of lipids and proteins, insulates axons to enhance signal transmission speed.
    • Oligodendrocytes: Multiple axons myelinated in the CNS.
    • Schwann cells: Single axon myelinated in the PNS.

    Role of Myelin

    • Prevents electrical charge loss, leading to faster nerve signal transmission.
    • White matter in the brain and spinal cord is rich in myelinated axons.
    • Gray matter predominates neuron cell bodies.

    Demyelination Diseases

    • Diseases disrupting myelin impair transmission speed of nerve signals.
    • Multiple Sclerosis: Damage to oligodendrocytes affects CNS function.
    • Guillain-Barré syndrome: Schwann cell damage disrupts PNS function.

    Signaling/Nourishing/Cleaning Neuroglia

    • Astrocytes: Crucial in the CNS for signaling and nourishing neurons, maintaining fluid balance, and forming parts of the blood-brain barrier.
    • Satellite cells: Support neurons in the PNS, regulating their environment.

    Defending Neuroglia

    • Microglia: Function as immune cells within the CNS, clearing cellular debris, pruning nonfunctional neurons.

    Clinical Correlate: Brain Tumors

    • Many tumors of the CNS arise from glial cells.
    • Types of gliomas are described and their origin and characteristics.

    Knowledge Check

    • Questions related to neuron types and oligodendrocyte (immune cell) functions, as well as the difference between UMN and LMN injuries. Further questions address effects of botulinum toxin on muscles, and types of brain tumors.

    Transmission of Information

    • Resting membrane potential, local potentials, action potentials, and synaptic events are described in detail in diagram form.

    Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)

    • Difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a neuron, typically around -70 mV.
    • Maintained via passive ion diffusion through channels and active ion pumping.

    Local Potentials

    • Small, graded changes in membrane potential.
    • Stimuli can either excite (+ depolarization) or inhibit (- hyperpolarization).
    • Receptor potential: Sensory neurons detect stimuli; Ex. stretch, compressions or exposure.
    • Synaptic potentials: Occur in the postsynaptic membrane due to neurotransmitter binding
    • Their magnitude is proportional to the strength of the stimulus.

    Summation

    • Combining local potentials to initiate an action potential.
    • Temporal summation: Adding potentials that occur in rapid succession.
    • Spatial summation: Adding potentials that occur simultaneously from different locations on the neuron.

    Action Potentials (AP)

    • Large, rapid, and all-or-none changes in membrane potential.
    • Result from rapid ion movement across the cell membrane.
    • Depolarization (inside more positive), repolarization (inside becomes more negative). Key players: Na+ and K+
    • Refractory period: Difficult to generate another AP due to ion channel inactivation.

    AP Propagation

    • Action potential movement along the axon.
    • Unidirectional: Propagates in one direction.
    • Saltatory conduction: Fast propagation in myelinated axons, "jumping" from node to node.

    Synaptic Events

    • Process of one neuron communicating with another at a synapse.
    • Action potential triggers release of neurotransmitters at synapses.
    • Neurotransmitter binding to the receptors on the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron changes their membrane potential.

    Neuromessengers

    • Neurotransmitters: Act directly on postsynaptic receptors, influencing the membrane potential of the next neuron.
      • Examples include glutamate (excitatory), GABA (inhibitory).
    • Neuromodulators: Affect synaptic transmission indirectly, without direct receptor binding.
      • Examples include cortisol influencing serotonin and dopamine receptors.

    Postsynaptic Potentials

    • Changes in membrane potential at the postsynaptic neuron due to neurotransmitter interaction.
      • EPSP: Excitatory postsynaptic potential (depolarizing).
      • IPSP: Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (hyperpolarizing).

    Pharmacologic Agonists & Antagonists

    • Agonists: Mimic neurotransmitters, stimulating postsynaptic receptors.
    • Antagonists: Blocks neurotransmitters to prevent them from impacting postsynaptic receptors.

    Clinical Correlates: Neurotransmitters

    • The role of different neurotransmitters in various body functions.
    • Clinical implications of agonists and antagonists (e.g. Botulinum toxin, nicotine).

    Let's Practice!

    • Practical application questions about nervous systems pathologies, diagnoses, and treatments.

    Summary

    • Key concepts of the human nervous system, including neuron and glial cell types, myelin's role, and neural transmissions, as well as the functions of neurotransmitters are summarized.

    References

    • Includes the course text and instructor(s).

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    Test your knowledge on the structure and function of neurons in this quiz. Explore the roles of different neuron parts, types, and properties like local potentials. Perfect for students studying neuroscience or biology.

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