Neurons and neuroglia are the building blocks of the nervous system. Neurons transmit electrical signals, while support and protect them. Together, they form a complex network that enables our bodies to sense, think, and respond to stimuli.
Understanding the structure and function of neurons and neuroglia is crucial for grasping how the nervous system works. From the specialized parts of neurons to the diverse roles of glial cells, these components work in harmony to maintain brain health and function.
Neurons and Neuroglia
Structure and components of neurons
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Cell body () contains the nucleus and organelles such as (rough endoplasmic reticulum) that synthesize proteins needed for function
Dendrites are branching extensions covered in that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them towards the cell body
is a long, thin projection that transmits electrical signals away from the cell body to other neurons
is the where action potentials are generated (trigger zone)
are the end of the axon that forms synapses with other neurons to release
is an insulating layer around the axon formed by (PNS) or oligodendrocytes (CNS) that increases the speed of signal transmission
Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the that allow for , enabling faster signal propagation along the axon
Types of neurons by polarity and function
Unipolar neurons have a single process extending from the cell body and are primarily sensory neurons in the ()
Bipolar neurons have two processes extending from the cell body and are specialized sensory neurons (retinal cells, olfactory neurons)
Multipolar neurons are the most common type in the nervous system with multiple dendrites and a single axon, including motor neurons and interneurons
Sensory (afferent) neurons transmit sensory information from receptors (touch, pain) to the for processing
Motor (efferent) neurons transmit signals from the central nervous system to effectors (muscles, glands) to initiate a response
Interneurons connect sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system to process, integrate, and modulate information
Roles of glial cells in nervous systems
Astrocytes (CNS) provide structural support, maintain the , and regulate neurotransmitter levels and ion concentrations in the
Oligodendrocytes (CNS) form the myelin sheath around axons in the central nervous system to facilitate rapid signal transmission
(CNS) are the immune cells of the central nervous system that phagocytose debris and pathogens to protect neurons
(CNS) line the ventricles and central canal of the and produce and circulate
Schwann cells (PNS) form the myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system to facilitate rapid signal transmission
(PNS) surround and support neuron cell bodies in ganglia to maintain the local environment
Glial cells play a crucial role in supporting by regulating the extracellular environment and promoting synaptic remodeling
Neuroglia in CNS vs PNS
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Astrocytes provide structural support, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and regulate neurotransmitters and ions
Oligodendrocytes form the myelin sheath around axons
are the immune cells that phagocytose debris and pathogens
Ependymal cells line the ventricles and central canal and produce cerebrospinal fluid
Schwann cells form the myelin sheath around axons
Satellite cells surround and support neuron cell bodies in ganglia
Similarities between CNS and PNS neuroglia include cells that form myelin sheath (oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells) and cells that provide support and protection to neurons (astrocytes, satellite cells)
Differences include the presence of microglia and ependymal cells in the CNS, which are not found in the PNS, and satellite cells in the PNS, which are not present in the CNS
Neuronal Communication
Neurons communicate through chemical and electrical synapses, with chemical synapses being more common
Synapses are specialized junctions where neurons transmit signals to target cells (neurons, muscle cells, or gland cells)
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released from presynaptic neurons that bind to receptors on postsynaptic cells
The of a neuron is the difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of the cell, which is crucial for signal transmission
, the formation of new neurons, occurs in specific regions of the adult brain and contributes to learning, memory, and brain repair