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3: Cellular Anatomy of the Nervous System

  • Page ID
    151219
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    • 3.1: Introduction
      This page outlines the evolution of brain study methods, highlighting the shift from invasive techniques to light microscopy in the 1600s. It emphasizes Camillo Golgi's late 1800s Golgi stain that improved neuron visualization and his reticular theory, alongside Santiago Ramon y Cajal's neuron doctrine, which established neurons as separate entities.
    • 3.2: Characteristics of neurons
      This page discusses neurons, the main cells of the nervous system, which possess unique adaptations and features similar to other mammalian cells. They have a phospholipid bilayer membrane for selective ion transport and contain organelles like the nucleus and mitochondria. Adult humans have about 86 billion neurons, making up approximately 0.2% of total body cells. Neurons are electroactive with rapidly changing membrane potentials, enabling quick communication.
    • 3.3: Cellular anatomy of neurons
      This page covers the communication of neurons through electrical changes, focusing on dendrites, soma, and axons. Dendrites receive signals, and the soma supports protein production, while axons transmit signals with the help of myelin sheaths, which enhance speed. It explains synapse types and mentions multiple sclerosis as a condition affecting myelin. Neurons are classified by structure and function, with advances in electron microscopy improving synaptic visualization.
    • 3.4: Cellular functions of glia
      This page highlights the importance of glial cells in the nervous system, emphasizing their diverse functions beyond mere structural support. It covers major types, including astrocytes (blood-brain barrier maintenance), oligodendrocytes (CNS myelination), Schwann cells (PNS myelination and nerve regeneration), microglia (immune response), and ependymal cells (cerebrospinal fluid production). Collectively, these glial cells are essential for optimal brain health and functionality.
    • 3.5: References


    This page titled 3: Cellular Anatomy of the Nervous System is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Austin Lim via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.