Fundamentals of Neuroscience/The Nervous System

From Wikiversity

[edit] Goals

• To learn about the similarities and differences between the two types of neural cells, neurons and neuroglia.
• To learn the functions and major subtypes of neurons and neuroglia.
• To learn the basic parts of a neuron and their functions.
• To understand how neural cells differ from most other cell types.

[edit] Neurons and Neuroglia

• There are two types of neural cells, neurons and neuroglia.
  • Neurons, approximately 50 billion of which are contained in a human brain, transmit electrical and chemical signals to one another.
  • Neuroglia, also known as glia, support and protect neurons. Some of their functions include:
    1. Nourishing neurons
    2. Maintaining neural homeostasis
    3. Forming myelin; we will discuss how myelin aids in signal transmission
    4. Helping signal transmission

• There are two major types of glia, microglia and macroglia.
  • Microglia: macrophages capable of phagocytosis, which protect the neurons of the central nervous system. They are capable of moving within the brain, and will multiply and expand when the brain is damaged.
  • Macroglia: These are larger than microglia and include two major subtypes.
    1. Astrocytes: chemoregulate neurons.
    2. Oligodendrocytes: form and maintain the myelin that surrounds the neurons

[edit] Exercise

• Identify the type(s) and subtype(s) of neural cell performing the following functions.
  1. Nourishing neurons
  2. Maintaining neural homeostasis
  3. Forming myelin
  4. Helping signal transmission

ANSWER: