Nervous System Notes Part 3

EVEN MORE INTERESTING NERVOUS SYSTEM FACTS The human brain alone consists of about 100 billion neurons. If all these neurons were to be lined up, it would form a 600 mile long line. At any given point in time, only four percent of the cells in the brain are active, the rest are kept in reserve.

NOTES – CELLS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM NEURONS 3 basic parts 1. Cell Body 1 nucleus 2. Dendrites carry information TOWARD the cell body

3. Axon carries information AWAY from the cell body many neurons are surrounded by a MYELIN SHEATH fatty tissue that speeds up the nerve impulse

Structural Classification of Neurons 3 Types based on number of processes extending from cell body 1. Multipolar Neuron many processes extending from cell body – most common

2. Bipolar Neuron neuron with two process coming from cell body – more rare – found in sense organs (compare multipolar and bipolar neurons)

Unipolar Neuron single process coming from cell body – found in peripheral nervous system

NEUROGLIA (or just GLIA) supporting nerve cells of different types function is to support, insulate, protect neurons 6 Types 1. oligodendrocytes Function: produce myelin sheaths

2. microglia Function: disposal of debris, dead brain cells, bacteria, etc. 3. ependymal cells Function: line cavities of brain & spinal cord – cilia helps circulate CSF

4. Schwann Cells Function: form myelin sheaths in Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) 5. satellite cells Function: protects, cushions cells

6. astrocytes Function: form barrier between capillaries & neurons – protects neuron Gray Matter & White Matter white matter axons with myelin gray matter cell bodies, axons without myelin, dendrites, neuroglia