PBI288 Final

• Soma (Cell Body): This is like the control center of the neuron, where the nucleus and important metabolic activities happen.
• Dendrites: Think of these as the "receivers" of signals from other neurons. They have tiny projections called dendritic spines that increase the surface area for communication.
• Axon: This is like the long tail of the neuron that carries signals from the cell body to other parts. It's often covered by a myelin sheath, which helps the signal travel faster.
• Axon Hillock: This is where the axon originates, and it's where the action potential (signal) begins.
• Myelin Sheath: This insulates the axon and helps the signal move quickly. Glial cells, like Schwann's cells or Oligodendrocytes, form the myelin sheath.
• Synaptic Terminals: These are specialized parts at the end of the neuron that form connections (synapses) with other cells to transmit information.
• Synapse: \This is where one neuron connects with another, sending messages through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.
• Axodendritic: Axon connects to dendrite.
• Axosomatic: Axon connects to the cell body
• Axoaxonic: Axon connects to another axon's terminal.
• Dendroaxonic: Messenger from dendrite affects axon terminal.
• Sensory Neurons: Receive input from sense organs.
• Motor Neurons: Carry signals to muscles and glands.
• Interneurons: Located in the brain, connecting other neurons
• Types of Synapses: Axodendritic, Axosomatic, Axoaxonic, Dendroaxonic
• Types of Neurons: Sensory Neurons, Motor Neurons, Interneurons
• Nucleus: Contains genetic information.
• Mitochondria: Produces energy for the neuron
• Endoplasmic Reticulum and Ribosomes: Make proteins.
• Golgi Bodies: Package synthesized proteins.
• Microtubules, Neurofilaments, and Neurotubules: Structural support and transport for proteins.
• Glia (Support Cells): Astrocytes, Satellite Cells, Oligodendrocytes and Schwann Cells, Microglia, NG2 Cells
• Astrocytes: Star-shaped cells that support neurons, regulate extracellular space, and communicate with other cells.

    
• Satellite Cells: Support neurons in the peripheral nervous system.
• Oligodendrocytes and Schwann Cells: Form the myelin sheath, speeding up signal transmission.
• Microglia: Act as the brain's immune system, defending against foreign invaders.
• NG2 Cells: Progenitor cells that can transform into various types, similar to stem cells.
• Glia-Related Pathologies:

  • Alterations in astrocyte functions can contribute to various disorders, including migraine, epilepsy, infections, and neurodegenerative disorders
  • Myelin-related disorders like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) involve the immune system attacking the myelin.
• Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB):

  • A barrier between the brain and the bloodstream, protecting the brain from harmful substances.
  • Maintained by tightly fitting endothelial cells and astrocytes.
• Circumventricular Organs = Certain areas, like the pineal gland, have a weaker BBB, allowing them to interact more with the bloodstream.