Supporting cells of the nervous system

Question 1

Ciliated cells lining the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord.

Answer 1

Ependymal cells.

Question 2

What is the role of ependymal cells with regards to CSF?

Answer 2

Formation and circulation of CSF.

Question 3

These cells play a role in directing cell migration during brain development, forming and circulating CSF.

Answer 3

Ependymal cells.

Question 4

Phagocytes that engulf debris and are involved in remodelling of synaptic connections.

Answer 4

Microglia.

Question 5

These cells may migrate into the brain from blood. Also contribute to relationship between immune system and CNS function.

Answer 5

Microglia.

Question 6

Name two types of macroglia found in the CNS.

Answer 6

• Astrocytes.

- Oligodendrocytes.

Question 7

Name two types of macroglia found in the PNS.

Answer 7

• Schwann cells.

- Capsular cells.

Question 8

The most numerous cells in the nervous system and highly heterogeneous in morphology.

Answer 8

Astrocytes.

Question 9

The perivascular end-feet of astrocytes are found where and contribute to what?

Answer 9

Surrounding the capillaries that form the blood brain barrier.

Question 10

Subpial end-feet on the surface of the brain and spinal cord are processes of which cell of the nervous system?

Answer 10

Astrocytes.

Question 11

Astrocytes undergo alterations in response to CNS insults making them highly susceptible to what?

Answer 11

Neoplasm formation.

Question 12

Astrocytes control electrolyte balance in the CNS, particularly of which ion?

Answer 12

Extracellular K+.

Question 13

This cell produces the neurotrophins necessary for neuronal survival.

Answer 13

Astrocytes.

Question 14

Responsible for the uptake of several important neurotransmitters e.g. glutamate, GABA.

Answer 14

Astrocytes.

Question 15

Cells supplying Glutamine for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter Glutamate by neurones.

Answer 15

Astrocytes.

Question 16

Cells that regulate the “tightness” of the blood brain barrier.

Answer 16

Astrocytes.`

Question 17

The processes of these cells form the myelin sheath that wraps around axons in the CNS in a spiral.

Answer 17

Oligodendrocytes.

Question 18

What do oligodendrocytes produce that is important for the repair of damaged CNS axons?

Answer 18

Neurotrophic factors e.g. nerve growth factor.

Question 19

Loss of which cell contributes to Multiple Sclerosis and causing multiple neurological symptoms.

Answer 19

Oligodendrocytes.

Question 20

Loss of myelin causes failure of what?

Answer 20

Saltatory conduction

Question 21

Why does saltatory conduction fail when loss of myelin occurs?

Answer 21

There are no voltage-activated sodium channels in the area of axon previously covered by the oligodendrocyte process.

Question 22

Each Schwann cell envelops what?

Answer 22

A short segment of one axon in the PNS.

Question 23

What is the gap between each Schwann cell known as?

Answer 23

The node of Ranvier.

Question 24

Action potentials jump the node of Ranvier using what type of conduction?

Answer 24

Saltatory

Question 25

Schwann cells spiral around an axon to form what?

Answer 25

Lamellae

Question 26

What is the outmost lamella of the Schwann cell known as?

Answer 26

Neurolemma or sheath of Schwann.

Question 27

To regenerate transected axons these cells proliferate to form a tube into which growth sprouts of the proximal end of the cut axon enter and re-innervate the de-innervated target.

Answer 27

Schwann cells.

Question 28

Glial elements that surround the neuronal cell bodies in sensory and autonomic ganglia.

Answer 28

Capsular / Satelitte cells.

Question 29

Flattened cells forming an almost complete layer separating ganglion cell bodies of DRG and some cranial nerves from surrounding non-neural connective tissue and vascular structure.

Answer 29

Capsular/ Satellite cells.

• DRG = dorsal root ganglion.

Question 30

Capsular/satelitte cells are thought to have a similar role to which cells of the CNS?

Answer 30

Astrocytes.

Question 31

Cells present around the cell bodies of autonomic ganglion as an incomplete layer - particularly in the sympathetic division.

Answer 31

Capsular/satellite cells.