• Name the five main types of glial cells and their functions, and contrast these with neuronal structure and function
• Describe the structure of a neuron, and understand how it is specialised for conduction of nerve impulses
• Describe how the electrical nerve impulse changes to a chemical signal at the synapse
• Understand the directions of information flow in the nervous system
Glia are [blank_start]support[blank_end] for the nervous system. There are 4 types in the [blank_start]CNS[blank_end], and 1 type in the [blank_start]PNS[blank_end]. These types are highly specialised for [blank_start]different[blank_end] functions.
Neurons are cells specialised for [blank_start]transport[blank_end] of information. They can transmit [blank_start]many[blank_end] types of information, and there are [blank_start]thousands[blank_end] of types of neurons!
Answer
support
CNS
PNS
different
similar
transport
storage
many
5
thousands
hundreds
Question 2
Question
Which cell of the CNS provides nutrients to neurons and ensheaths blood capillaries?
Answer
Astrocyctes
Oligodendrocytes
Ependymal cells
Microglia
Question 3
Question
What is the role of microglia?
Answer
To engulf microorganisms and debris, acting as immune cells for the neurons.
To supply nutrients to cells and ensheath blood capillaries.
To circulate the CSF.
To support and ensheath neurons.
Question 4
Question
Ependymal cells have cilia and line fluid filled cavities in the brain and spinal cord.
Answer
True
False
Question 5
Question
In the PNS the axons are sheathed by oligodendrocytes. In the CNS they are myelinated by Schwann cells.