Nerve Cells and Nerve Impulses (Glial
Cells) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Astrocyte - ANS Glial cell in the central nervous system that provides nutrients,
extracellular buffering, and structural support for neurons; also makes up the
blood-brain barrier.
Axon - ANS Tube like structure that propagates a signal from a neuron's cell body to
axon terminals
Axon hillock - ANS Electrically sensitive structure on the cell body of a neuron that
integrates signals from multiple neuronal connections
Axon terminal - ANS Structure on the end of an axon that can form a synapse with
another neuron
Dendrite - ANS Structure that extends away from the cell body to receive messages
from other neurons
Ependymal - ANS Cell that lines fluid-filled ventricles of the brain and the central canal
of the spinal cord; involved in production of cerebrospinal fluid.
Glia - ANS Cells that provide support functions for neurons
Microglia - ANS Glial that scavenge and degrade dead cells and protect the brain from
invading microorganisms
Myelin - ANS Fatty substance produced by glial that insulates axons
Neuron - ANS Specialized cell that can receive and transmit electrical and chemical
signals
Nodes of Ranvier - ANS Gaps in the myelin sheath where the signal is recharged
Oligodendrocyte - ANS Glial cell that myelinates central nervous systems neuron
axons
, Radial glia - ANS Glia that serve as scaffolds for developing neurons as they migrate
to their final destinations
Satellite glia - ANS Glia cell that provides nutrients and structural support for neurons
in peripheral nervous system
Schwann cell - ANS Glial cell that creates myelin sheath around a peripheral nervous
system neuron axon
synapse - ANS Junction between two neurons where neuronal signals are
communicated.
What are some of the different levels of analysis in neuroscience? Why might it be
valuable to be able to move easily from comprehending one level of analysis to
another? - ANSBrain->Neurons->Neuron Organelles->Molecules
Smaller levels add up to larger levels, smaller levels allow focus on specific details
In terms of total number of neurons, what are some of the ranges found in different
animals, including humans, and how might this reflect what an animal can do? - ANS0
in sponges, ~56 in jellyfish, ~25k in flies, etc.
~86 billion in humans.
More neurons allows for more complex behavior
What are the major parts of the neuron? What are similarities and differences between
neurons and a typical cell? What are some of the things neurons do? - ANSDendrites,
Soma (body), nucleus, axon hillock, axon, axon terminal. They've got nuclei, like
normal.
To what extent is the nervous system involved in different parts of human physiology?
For the immune, endocrine, and digestive system, can you think of examples of how the
nervous system is involved in these processes? - ANSNervous system dictates almost
every part of the physiological system
How active is the inside of a neuron in terms of moving things around? What are some
of the tools the neuron uses to move things and what needs to be moved around? What
does the neuron need to support high internal activity? - ANSIon channels in the
Cells) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Astrocyte - ANS Glial cell in the central nervous system that provides nutrients,
extracellular buffering, and structural support for neurons; also makes up the
blood-brain barrier.
Axon - ANS Tube like structure that propagates a signal from a neuron's cell body to
axon terminals
Axon hillock - ANS Electrically sensitive structure on the cell body of a neuron that
integrates signals from multiple neuronal connections
Axon terminal - ANS Structure on the end of an axon that can form a synapse with
another neuron
Dendrite - ANS Structure that extends away from the cell body to receive messages
from other neurons
Ependymal - ANS Cell that lines fluid-filled ventricles of the brain and the central canal
of the spinal cord; involved in production of cerebrospinal fluid.
Glia - ANS Cells that provide support functions for neurons
Microglia - ANS Glial that scavenge and degrade dead cells and protect the brain from
invading microorganisms
Myelin - ANS Fatty substance produced by glial that insulates axons
Neuron - ANS Specialized cell that can receive and transmit electrical and chemical
signals
Nodes of Ranvier - ANS Gaps in the myelin sheath where the signal is recharged
Oligodendrocyte - ANS Glial cell that myelinates central nervous systems neuron
axons
, Radial glia - ANS Glia that serve as scaffolds for developing neurons as they migrate
to their final destinations
Satellite glia - ANS Glia cell that provides nutrients and structural support for neurons
in peripheral nervous system
Schwann cell - ANS Glial cell that creates myelin sheath around a peripheral nervous
system neuron axon
synapse - ANS Junction between two neurons where neuronal signals are
communicated.
What are some of the different levels of analysis in neuroscience? Why might it be
valuable to be able to move easily from comprehending one level of analysis to
another? - ANSBrain->Neurons->Neuron Organelles->Molecules
Smaller levels add up to larger levels, smaller levels allow focus on specific details
In terms of total number of neurons, what are some of the ranges found in different
animals, including humans, and how might this reflect what an animal can do? - ANS0
in sponges, ~56 in jellyfish, ~25k in flies, etc.
~86 billion in humans.
More neurons allows for more complex behavior
What are the major parts of the neuron? What are similarities and differences between
neurons and a typical cell? What are some of the things neurons do? - ANSDendrites,
Soma (body), nucleus, axon hillock, axon, axon terminal. They've got nuclei, like
normal.
To what extent is the nervous system involved in different parts of human physiology?
For the immune, endocrine, and digestive system, can you think of examples of how the
nervous system is involved in these processes? - ANSNervous system dictates almost
every part of the physiological system
How active is the inside of a neuron in terms of moving things around? What are some
of the tools the neuron uses to move things and what needs to be moved around? What
does the neuron need to support high internal activity? - ANSIon channels in the
