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Introduction to Nervous System
Study Questions
11
Anatomy
Undergraduate 1
04/07/2011

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Term

1     The main function of what two systems in the human body is to provide communication between the cells of the body?

Definition

 The two systems that are in charge of providing communication between the cells of the body are the Nervous and Endocrine. 

Term

     What anatomical structures make up the CNS? What anatomical structures make up the PNS?

Definition

-          The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS is made up of the efferent and afferent systems. 

Term

1.       Functionally the PNS can be divided into two divisions. Name these divisions and their subcategories. 

Definition

-          The PNS is divided into an efferent and afferent system. The Afferent system is made up of somatic sensory and visceral sensory and the Efferent system is made up of somatic motor and visceral motor. 

Term

1.        What are the neuroglial cells? What is their overall function? Which cell type is more numerous, neurons or neuroglial cells? 

Definition

-          Neuroglial cells are the support cells. Glial=glue. They isolate and individualize many pathways on a given neuron. They provide support for neurons. There are 5-10X more neuroglial cells than neurons. 

Term

1.       Describe the anatomy and function of the different type of neuroglial cells.

Definition

-          Astrocytes: Star shaped, Largest and most numerous, provide the supporting framework for neurons. Contact both capillaries and neurons. They aid in injury repair and lots of ER

-          Oligodendrocytes: Few processes, responsible for producing and repairing the Myelin sheaths around axons in the CNS.

-          Microglia: Smallest cell, Macrophages of the CNS. They ingest and digest tissue debris.

-          Ependymal Cells: Look like cuboidal/columnar epithelium. They are ciliated and line the ventricles of the brain and spinal central canal of cord. Produces the CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid)

-          Satellite cells: Small cells found out in ganglia. Surround neuron cell body in initial segments of the axon.

-          Schwann Cells: Surround axons in PNS. Responsible for myelination of PNS and participate in repair after injury. 

Term

1.        What are the functional cells of the nervous system? Briefly discuss the regenerative capacity of neurons. Which regenerates more easily, the cell body or the peripheral processes?

Definition

-          The functional cells of the nervous system are the neurons or nerve cells. Their primary function is to conduct impulses from one part to another. Cell bodies are very limited in their capacity to regenerate but the peripheral can be regenerated easier. 

Term

1.        Describe the structure of a neuron, being sure to include the various organelles found in the cytoplasm. What is the cytoskeleton of a neuron composed of? What do the terms nuclei and ganglia mean in the nervous system? What is an axon hillock? 

Definition

-          The structure of a neuron contains a cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus. The cytoskeleton is composed of: Microfilaments, intermediate filaments called neurofilaments and microtubules. The cytoplasm also contains RER, SER, Golgi Apparatus, mitochondria, lysosomes and pigments. In the CNS clusters of cell bodies are called nuclei. In the PNS clusters of cell bodies are called ganglia. Axon Hillocks are a small conical elevated area on the cytoplasm. 

Term

1.        What is myelin? What is it composed of? What cells provide the myelin? What is a node of Ranvier and what is its purpose?

Definition

-          Myelin is a phospholipid covering around some axons that is produced by Schwann cells in the PNS and oligodendrocytes in the CNS. Myelin increases the speed of the nerve impulse conduction and it insulates and maintains the axon.  Appears white. The node of Ranvier is the space between two Schwann cells where the ECF bathes the axon. The impulse can skip down from axon to axon. 

Term

1.        Describe the three different types of neurons that are classified according to their structure. Where could each of them be found?

Definition

-          Bipolar Neurons (Sensory): Cell body and processes on both ends- sensory areas EX: Retina of eye, olfactory nose

-          Unipolar Neurons (sensory): Cell body and 1 process but splits so it looks like two. EX: Posterior root ganglion

-          Multipolar Neurons (Sensory and Motor): Most common type, 1 axon, multiple dendrites

Term

1.          Describe how neurons can be classified according to their function.

Definition

-          Motor (Efferent) Neurons: Bring info OUT! Multipolar neurons

-          Sensory (Afferent) Neurons: Bring info IN! All three types of neurons

-          Internuncial Neurons: Transmit info from one to another. “Inter” neuron

Term

1.         What is the basic definition of a synapse? Using the correct terminology briefly describe how a chemical synapse works. 

Definition

-          A synapse is the site of contact between one neuron and another neuron or effector cell. The neuron sending the message is the presynaptic neuron. The neuron receiving the message is called the postsynaptic neuron. In a chemical synapse, the chemical transmitters are released by the presynaptic neuron and traverse the synaptic cleft to attach to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. 

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