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Questions and Answers
What is the function of dendrites in a nerve cell?
What is the function of dendrites in a nerve cell?
Which type of cells are known as 'nerve glue'?
Which type of cells are known as 'nerve glue'?
What is the function of myelin in nerve fibers?
What is the function of myelin in nerve fibers?
Which part of a neuron is considered the metabolic center?
Which part of a neuron is considered the metabolic center?
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What are Schwann cells and satellite cells referred to collectively?
What are Schwann cells and satellite cells referred to collectively?
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What function does irritability serve in neurons?
What function does irritability serve in neurons?
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Study Notes
Types of Cells
- There are two principal types of cells
Supporting Cells (Neuroglia)
- Means "nerve glue"
- Types of neuroglia (glia):
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
- Ependymal cells
- Oligodendrocytes (CNS glia)
- Schwann cells
- Satellite cells (PNS glia)
Neuron Anatomy
- Also called nerve cells
- Highly specialized to transmit messages (nerve impulses) from one part of the body to another
- Composed of:
- Cell body: contains the nucleus, metabolic center of the neuron
- Processes or fibers: armlike projections with two types
- Dendrites: convey incoming messages (electrical signals) toward the cell body
- Axons: generate impulses and conduct them away from the cell body
- Myelin: whitish, fatty material that
- Covers nerve fibers
- Protects and insulates the fibers
- Increases transmission rates of nerve impulses
CNS Regions
- White matter: dense collections of myelinated fibers (tracts)
- Gray matter: dense collections of unmyelinated fibers and cell bodies
Neuron Physiology
- Two major functions:
- Irritability: respond to a stimulus and convert it into a nerve impulse
- Conductivity: transmit the impulse to other neurons, muscles, or glands
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Description
Learn about the two principal types of cells in the nervous system - Supporting Cells (Neuroglia) and Neurons Anatomy. Explore the different types of neuroglia and the specialized functions of nerve cells.
