6 Glial (or Neuroglia) Cells: Location, Description, Function (Exam 3)

Describe the location, description, and function of astrocytes found in the CNS.

-"star cells" -most abundant -deal with calcium -connected to and get nutrients from blood capillaries -clean chemicals around neurons

Describe the location, description, and function of ependymal cells found in the CNS.

-"wrapping" cells, squamous or columnar, many cilated -line brain and spinal cord central cavities giving a permeable barrier

Describe the location, description, and function of Schwann cells found in the PNS.

-aka neurolemmocytes -form myelin sheaths around nerve fibers in PNS (similar to what the oligodendrocytes in the CNS) do - vital to regeneration of damaged PNS nerve fibers

Describe the location, description, and function of oligodendrocyte cells found in the CNS.

-look similar to branched astrocytes but have fewer processes -line up along the neuron fibers in the CNS and wrap their processes in myelin sheath -their myelin sheaths provide insulation for the fibers

Describe the location, description, and function of microglia (or microglial) cells found in the CNS.

-ovoid shape with long thorns -they seek out injured neurons -these cells convert to microphage that phagocytes -neuronal debris -this protective role of the microglia is important because cells of the immune system are denied access to the CNS

Describe the location, description, and function of satellite cells found in the PNS.

-surround neuron cells in PNS but function unknown -name comes from their shape which is similar to the moons (or satellites) around a planet

Name the 6 types of Glial or Neuroglia. Identify which division of the nervous system they are part of.

CNS 1.Astroctytes 2.Microglia 3.Ependymal Cell 4.Oligodendrocyte PNS 5.Schwann cells 6.satellite cells