Astrocytes, BBB, and Tripartite Synapses Flashcards Preview

SCT2 Neurology Topic 1 > Astrocytes, BBB, and Tripartite Synapses > Flashcards

Flashcards in Astrocytes, BBB, and Tripartite Synapses Deck (24)
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1
Q

Astrocytes are ________ shaped cells.

A

STAR

2
Q

Astrocytes are the most numerous of the ___________ nervous system glial cells.

A

CENTRAL

CNS

3
Q

What do astrocytes do?

A

PROVIDE PHYSICAL SUPPORT MATRIX

4
Q

What do astrocyte extensions make contact with?

A

BLOOD VESSELS

5
Q

What is a brain tumor formed by?

A

GLIAL CELLS

6
Q

Name the complex filtration system that alters the permeability of brain capillaries?

A

BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER

BBB

7
Q

Astrocytes have long, highly branched processes which end on the walls of _____________ that contribute to the BBB.

A

CAPILLARIES

8
Q

What does the BBB severely limit the passage of?

List the common example discussed in class?

A

HARMFUL SUBSTANCES
+
GLUTAMATE

9
Q

Glutamate causes cells to become overexcited and die. What is this process called?

A

EXCITOTOXICITY

10
Q

Name the part of the body which hinders the delivery of many potentially important therapeutic agents to the brain, including antibiotics?

A

BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER

BBB

11
Q

What is the BBB permeable to?

***3

A
ALCOHOL
\+
AMPHETAMINES
\+
SOME TOXIC METALS
12
Q

What can affect the BBB efficiency?

***4

A
TRAUMA
\+
RADIATION
\+
HYPERTENSION
\+
INFECTION
13
Q

Someone with a brain injury has a 10 to 50 percent chance of developing what?

A

EPILEPSY

14
Q

Inappropriately activating astrocytes leading to chronic inflammation, hyperexciteable neurons, and epileptic seizures - is caused by what?

A

THE BLOOD PROTEIN ALBUMIN LEAKING INTO BRAIN VIA A DAMAGED BBB

15
Q

Astrocytes have processes which wrap around neurons to form what?

A

TRIPARTITE SYNAPSE

16
Q

Name the 3 parts of a tripartite synapse?

A
PRESYNAPTIC NEURON
\+
POSTSYNAPTIC NEURON
\+
ASTROCYTE
17
Q

The tripartite synapse contributes to neural _____________.

A

PLASTICITY

18
Q

Neuroplasticity refers to _____________ changes in the brain in response to new situations.

A

STRUCTURAL

19
Q

Name some new situations which could cause a structural neuroplastic alteration?

A
BEHAVIOUR
\+
THE ENVIRONMENT
\+
THINKING
\+
EMOTIONS
\+
CHANGES RESULTING FROM BODILY INJURY
20
Q

Name the unfortunate product of neuroplasticity?

A

CHRONIC PAIN

21
Q

Name the term for a heightened response to painful stimuli?

A

HYPERALGESIA

22
Q

Name the term for a painful response to a normally non painful stimulus?

A

ALLODYNIA

23
Q

There is evidence for astrocyte involvement in the etiology of ______________ disease, and cognitive decline.

A

ALZHEIMER’S

24
Q

Name the 2 common pain suffixes?

A
  • ALGIA

- DYNIA