Chapter 6 - Nervous Tissue
This quiz only covers material that would be expected to be discussed in a histology laboratory.
Objectives
- Learn how to identify tissues in the nervous system
- Understand the basic structure of neurons
- Appreciate differences in the organization of neurons
General Questions
What are the two major types of cells found in nervous tissue? [ + ]
- Neurons - structural and functional unit of the nervous system
- Glial cells (or neuroglial cells) - supporting cells for neurons
Nervous system is divided anatomically into two major components: [ + ]
- Central nervous system (CNS) - consists of the brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS) - all nervous tissue outside the CNS
What are the three major parts of a neuron and their functions: [ + ]
- Cell body (or perikaryon, soma) - processes and integrates signals from dendrites
- Dendrites - branched processes that receive stimuli and conduct impulses toward the cell body
- Axon - single axon that conducts nerve impulses to other cells through synapses
Neurons are classified into three types based on the structure of their processes: [ + ]
- Bipolar - found in special sensory organs, like olfactory and vision
- Pseudounipolar (or unipolar) - sensory neurons found in dorsal root (or spinal) ganglia
- Multipolar - most common type of neuron
What are the four types of glial cells in the CNS and their major functions: [ + ]
- Astrocytes - many roles in support and nourishment of neurons
- Oligodendrocytes - insulate axons and form myelin sheaths around more than axon
- Microglia - specialized macrophages
- Ependymal cells - line the ventricles in the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord - produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid
Spinal Cord
Ganglia
What is a cluster of nerve cell bodies outside the CNS called? [ + ]
What is another name for neurons with cell bodies in ganglia? [ + ]
What are the two types of glial cells in the PNS and their major functions: [ + ]
-
Schwann cells - structure depends whether the axons are non-myelinated/myelinated
- Wrap multiple, non-myelinated axons in cytoplasmic folds
- Wrap a single, myelinated axon within a myelin sheath
- Satellite (or capsule) cells - cells that support neurons in ganglia
Peripheral Nervous System
What are the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system? [ + ]
- Sympathetic nervous system - involved in functions requiring quick responses (i.e., stress, impending danger, and "fight or flight" response)
- Parasympathetic nervous system - regulates functions of body organs, blood vessels, and smooth muscle ( i.e. , "rest and digest" response)
How can you distinguish sympathetic ganglia from parasympathetic ganglia? [ + ]
Peripheral Nerves
What are bundles of axons that extend from the CNS into the PNS called? [ + ]
