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Neural Tissue and Nervous System Anatomy & Physiology

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  • Central Nervous System (CNS)

    The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and integrating information.

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

    The PNS includes peripheral nerves and ganglia, connecting the CNS to limbs and organs.

  • Neurulation

    Process where the neural plate folds and fuses to form the neural tube, which develops into the CNS.

  • Neural Crest

    Cells at the border of the neural plate that migrate to form the PNS.

  • Neuron Structure

    Neurons have a cell body (soma), dendrites (receive signals), and axon (sends signals).

  • Resting Membrane Potential

    Neurons have a resting voltage of about \(-70\,mV\), maintained by NaK ATPase.

  • Action Potential Threshold

    When membrane potential reaches about \(-55\,mV\), voltage-gated Na+ channels open, triggering depolarization.

  • Phases of Action Potential

    Includes depolarization, repolarization (K+ channels open), hyperpolarization, and refractory period.

  • Synapse

    Junction where neurotransmitters are released from axon terminals to bind receptors on target cells.

  • Types of Neurons

    Sensory (afferent), motor (efferent), and interneurons (connect neurons within CNS).

  • Glial Cells

    Supportive cells in nervous tissue including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells, Schwann cells, and satellite cells.

  • Astrocytes

    Most abundant CNS glial cells; maintain blood-brain barrier and support neuronal connections.

  • Oligodendrocytes

    CNS glial cells that myelinate axons, increasing action potential speed.

  • Schwann Cells

    PNS glial cells that myelinate axons, similar to oligodendrocytes but in the PNS.

  • Microglia

    CNS immune cells derived from blood monocytes; remove debris by phagocytosis.

  • Ependymal Cells

    Line brain ventricles and spinal cord central canal; produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

  • Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

    Formed by astrocyte end-feet around blood vessels, regulating substance passage into the brain.

  • Grey Matter vs White Matter

    Grey matter contains neuron cell bodies and dendrites; white matter contains myelinated axons.

  • Spinal Cord Organization

    Grey matter forms a butterfly shape centrally; dorsal horn receives sensory input, ventral horn sends motor output.

  • Peripheral Nerve Structure

    Axons bundled with Schwann cells, surrounded by endoneurium, grouped into fascicles with perineurium, and covered by epineurium.

  • Nodes of Ranvier

    Gaps between myelinated segments on axons that facilitate rapid action potential propagation.

  • Ganglia

    Clusters of neuronal cell bodies in the PNS, surrounded by connective tissue layers.

  • Alzheimer's Disease Pathology

    Characterized by tau protein tangles, amyloid beta plaques, neuronal death, and dysfunctional microglia.

  • Meninges

    Three connective tissue layers surrounding CNS: dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater.

  • Cerebral Cortex

    Outer folded grey matter layer of the brain with six layers of neurons, mainly pyramidal cells.

  • Neurotransmitter Release Mechanism

    Action potential triggers Ca2+ influx, causing synaptic vesicles to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

  • Types of Neurons by Shape

    Multipolar, bipolar, unipolar, and anaxonic neurons differ in dendrite and axon number and arrangement.

  • Neural Development Origin

    Neuroepithelial progenitor cells differentiate into neuroblasts, neurons, and glial cells.