Study Question Three

• Q3. Describe the anatomic location of the CNS and the types of cells (and their functions) contained within. What would happen to CNS function if any of these cells failed to develop properly?
• The central nervous system (CNS) is located in both the brain and spinal cord
• There are two cells in the central nervous system, which are neurons and neuroglia
• Neurons are the primary signaling cells of the CNS, responsible for transmitting information through electrical impulses and chemical signals (neurotransmitters)
• There are three main types of neurons:

  • Sensory Neurons: Relay sensory information to the brain.
  • Motor Neurons: Send signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles.
  • Interneurons: Connect neurons within the CNS and integrate information.
• There are four main types of neuroglia, also known as glial cells:

  • Astrocytes: Support neurons, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and regulate blood flow and ion balance.
  • Oligodendrocytes: Form myelin sheaths around axons, increasing the speed of electrical transmission.
  • Microglia: Act as immune cells in the CNS, responding to injury and clearing debris.
  • Ependymal Cells: Line the ventricles of the brain and produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
• If any of these cells fail to develop properly, it can significantly impair CNS function:

  • Neurons: Neurodevelopmental disorders, loss of sensory/motor function.
  • Astrocytes: Disrupt the blood-brain barrier.
  • Oligodendrocytes: Insufficient myelination can result in slowed signal transmission.
  • Microglia: Inadequate immune responses in the CNS, increasing vulnerability to infections and neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Ependymal Cells: Disrupt CSF production and circulation.
• Describe the anatomic location of the CNS and the types of cells (and their functions) contained within. What would happen to CNS function if any of these cells failed to develop properly?

  The CNS, otherwise known as the central nervous system, is primarily located within the brain and spinal cord.
• Describe the anatomic location of the CNS and the types of cells (and their functions) contained within. What would happen to CNS function if any of these cells failed to develop properly?

  There are two types of cells within this system, neurons and neuroglia.
• Describe the anatomic location of the CNS and the types of cells (and their functions) contained within. What would happen to CNS function if any of these cells failed to develop properly?

  Neurons include sensory neurons which relay sensory information to the brain, motor neurons which send signals from the brain to the spinal cord to muscles, and interneurons which connect neurons within the system to integrate information; --
• Describe the anatomic location of the CNS and the types of cells (and their functions) contained within. What would happen to CNS function if any of these cells failed to develop properly?

  -- neuroglia include astrocytes which support neurons by maintaining the blood brain barrier and regulating blood flow, oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths around axons for increased speed of electrical transmissions, microglia act as immune cells, and ependymal cells monitor and produce cerebrospinal fluid.
• Describe the anatomic location of the CNS and the types of cells (and their functions) contained within. What would happen to CNS function if any of these cells failed to develop properly?


  If any of these cells were to fail, it could lead to negative impacts on motor, sensory, and cognitive functions.
• Source

  • Chapter Thirteen: Page 343, Figure 13.5
  • Chapter Thirteen: Page 339, Figure 13.1
• Classification of Neurons:

  • Anaxonic neuron - have more than two processes, but axon cannot be distinguished from dendrites
  • Bipolar neuron - have two processes separated by the cell body
  • Pseudounipolar neuron - have a single elongate process with the cell body off to one side
  • Multipolar neuron - have more than two processes; there is a single axon and multiple dendrites
• Label LIGHT PINK: anaxonic neuron

  
• Label LIGHT RED: bipolar neurons

  
• Label LIGHT ORANGE: pseudounipolar neuron

  
• Label LIGHT YELLOW: multipolar neuron

  
• Central Nervous System Neuroglia

  • Astrocytes
  • Oligodendrocytes
  • Microglia
  • Ependymal Cells

  Peripheral Nervous System Neuroglia

  • Satellite Cells
  • Schwann Cells