Neurons are electrically active cells that communicate information throughout the nervous system. Their specialized shapes enable them to receive signals, process information, and pass messages to other cells.
The cell body, or soma, contains the nucleus and most of the cell’s major organelles. Extending from the soma are membrane projections called processes. Most neurons have one axon and multiple dendrites.
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What is a pseudo-unipolar neuron?
A human sensory neuron with one process emerging from the cell body and splitting into two branches; its cell body lies in a peripheral ganglion.
What do oligodendrocytes do?
They produce myelin in the CNS; one oligodendrocyte can myelinate multiple axon segments.
What are microglia?
CNS glial cells that perform immune surveillance and phagocytosis.
What role do ependymal cells play?
They line brain ventricles, help produce cerebrospinal fluid in the choroid plexus, and move it with cilia.
How do multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome differ in location?
What distinguishes a human pseudo-unipolar sensory neuron structurally?Answer: One process leaves the soma and then splits into two branches.
Which CNS glial cells perform immune surveillance and phagocytosis?Answer: Microglia.
How does CNS myelination by oligodendrocytes differ from PNS myelination by Schwann cells?Answer: One oligodendrocyte can myelinate multiple segments; one Schwann cell myelinates one segment.
Which statement best describes ependymal cells?Answer: They line brain ventricles, and their cilia help move cerebrospinal fluid.
Which locations are affected by demyelination in multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, respectively?Answer: The CNS in multiple sclerosis and the PNS in Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.