Nervous System Part One

Front

What are Schwann cells?

Back

Schwann cells are a type of neuroglia found in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that produce myelin, which insulates axons.

Front

What is myelin?

Back

Myelin is a mass of white lipid material that insulates the axon of a neuron, facilitating faster transmission of electrical signals.

Front

What is the synaptic cleft?

Back

The synaptic cleft is the gap between two communicating neurons where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.

Front

Where are bipolar neurons commonly found?

Back

Bipolar neurons are commonly found in sensory organs such as the eye and nose.

Front

What are dendrites?

Back

Dendrites are neuron processes that normally receive incoming stimuli and transmit them to the cell body.

Front

What is the role of oligodendrocytes?

Back

Oligodendrocytes are a type of neuroglia in the central nervous system (CNS) that produce myelin to insulate axons.

Front

What is the function of astrocytes?

Back

Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells in the CNS that support neurons, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and regulate blood flow.

Front

What are microglia?

Back

Microglia are the immune cells of the CNS that act as macrophages, cleaning up debris and responding to injury.

Front

What is the node of Ranvier?

Back

The node of Ranvier is a gap in the myelin sheath of an axon that facilitates rapid signal conduction through saltatory conduction.

Front

What is the function of the axon?

Back

The axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.