Skip to main content
Back

Neural Tissue and Neuron Structure - Anatomy & Physiology

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/20

Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the two main types of cells in nervous tissue?
    Neurons and Neuroglia cells.
  • What is the primary function of neurons?
    To generate and transmit messages as nerve impulses or neuronal action potentials.
  • What are neuroglia cells and their main role?
    Smaller cells that outnumber neurons about 50 to 1; they support and protect neurons.
  • What is the cell body (soma) of a neuron?
    The biosynthetic center containing the nucleus, nucleolus, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and Nissl bodies.
  • What are Nissl bodies in neurons?
    Clusters of free ribosomes in the cytoplasm involved in protein synthesis.
  • What are the two types of processes extending from the neuron cell body?
    Dendrites (receive impulses) and Axons (transmit impulses).
  • What is the function of dendrites?
    To receive impulses from other neurons.
  • What is the axon hillock?
    The region where the axon emerges from the cell body and where nerve impulses are generated.
  • What are telodendria?
    Branches at the end of an axon that end in synaptic terminals or synaptic knobs.
  • What is the role of Schwann cells in the PNS?
    They cover individual axons with myelin, insulating them and speeding nerve impulse conduction.
  • What do satellite cells do in the PNS?
    Surround and protect the cell bodies of neurons.
  • What is the function of astrocytes in the CNS?
    They connect neurons to blood vessels and maintain the blood-brain barrier.
  • What is the role of oligodendrocytes?
    They myelinate multiple axons of CNS neurons.
  • What are microglial cells?
    Phagocytic cells that protect neurons by removing debris and pathogens.
  • What do ependymal cells do?
    Line brain and spinal cord cavities, secrete and circulate cerebrospinal fluid.
  • What is a synapse?
    The site where a nerve cell and another cell (e.g., muscle) communicate.
  • What are the components of the neuromuscular junction?
    Presynaptic terminal with acetylcholine vesicles, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane (motor end plate) with receptors.
  • What is the presynaptic terminal?
    The axon terminal containing synaptic vesicles filled with acetylcholine.
  • What is the synaptic cleft?
    The space between the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic membrane.
  • What is the motor end plate?
    The postsynaptic membrane of the muscle cell with acetylcholine receptors.