Astrocytes are a type of Central Nervous System (CNS) glial cell that provides structural support support to neurons. They make up the blood-brain barrier and support synaptic functions.

Astrocytes

A type of glial cell found in the Central Nervous System (CNS) where it supports neuronal communication by creating the myelin sheath that surrounds axons.

Oligodendrocytes

A type of glial cell specialized cells found in the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Ependymal Cells

A type of glial cell specialized cells found in the Central Nervous System (CNS) where it serves immune functions.

 Microglia 

A type of glial cell found in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), where it myelinates axons supporting neurotransmission.

Schwann Cells

A type of glial cell found in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Satellite Cells

For many years, researchers assumed that glial cells vastly outnumbered neurons in the nervous system. However, more recent work from Suzanna Herculano-Houzel's laboratory provides important evidence for a nearly 1:1 ratio of glia to neurons. This finding is significant because it indicates that human brains share more similarities in cellular composition with other primate brains than previously thought.

Glia-to-Neuron Ratio

A hypothetical neurological disorder is characterized by the progressive loss of cells that provide structural support, insulation, and nutrient transport within the nervous system. The primary information-processing cells, however, remain structurally intact. Which of the following is the most probable consequence of this specific cellular loss?

Glial cells, or glia, are a primary cell type in the nervous system that provides crucial physical and metabolic support to neurons. Their functions include creating a structural scaffold for the nervous system, insulating neurons, helping neurons align to facilitate communication, transporting nutrients and waste, and mediating immune responses.

Google

Trinity College (CT)

University of Chicago

New Mexico Highlands University

The nervous system is comprised of two primary cell types: neurons and glial cells. Neurons act as the main information processors, and the communication between them is essential for all nervous system functions. Glial cells, or glia, primarily serve in supporting roles for the neurons.

Cells of the Nervous System

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

It is important to understand how electrical signals move through a neuron and onto the next neuron in order to facilitate communication.

Neuronal Communication 

There are different types of neurotransmitters with different functions in the human body. Some of the major neurotransmitters include:
- Serotonin (Mood & sleep)
- Glutamate (Memory & learning)
- Dopamine (Mood, sleep, & learning)
- Acetylcholine (Muscle action & memory)
- Beta-endorphin (Pain & pleasure)
- Gamma-aminobutyric acide (Brain function & sleep)
- Norepinephrine (Heart, intestines, & alertness)

Major Neurotransmitters

Psychologists have gained much of their understanding regarding the functions of neurotransmitters by researching how various drugs affect individuals with psychological disorders.

Neurotransmitters and Drugs

Functioning as the central building blocks and core information processors of the nervous system, neurons are interconnected cells essential for all tasks the system performs. The human brain contains around 100 billion neurons at birth. Their role encompasses everything from simple reflexes to complex cognitive functions.

Neurons

Glial Cells

Based on the fundamental roles of the two primary cell types in the nervous system, which type of cell is most likely malfunctioning in this patient's condition, and why?

Learn Before

Related

Learn After