Kaufer lab knowledge check 1

Front

Gaps in the myelin sheath are called:

Back

Nodes of Ranvier

Front

What cells make myelin in the central nervous system?

Back

Oligodendrocytes

Front

What is the primary role of oligodendrocytes?

Back

Myelinate axons

Front

What is the effect of injecting tamoxifen in Myrf cKO mice?

Back

These mice cannot form new myelin

Front

What is myelin?

Back

A fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, facilitating faster signal transmission.

Front

What is the function of the axon?

Back

To transmit electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Front

What are synapses?

Back

Junctions between neurons where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.

Front

What is the role of neurotransmitters?

Back

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Front

What is the difference between oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells?

Back

Oligodendrocytes myelinate axons in the central nervous system, while Schwann cells do so in the peripheral nervous system.

Front

What is the significance of the nodes of Ranvier?

Back

They allow for saltatory conduction, speeding up the transmission of electrical impulses along the axon.