Histology of Nervous Tissue

Astrocytes Anchors nervous tissue to surrounding tissues Allows for x-changes of materials between nervous tissue and fluids Barrier between neuron and blood Part of blood brain barrier

Microglia Phagocytes Clean up wastes, debris, and bacteria/virus Immune function for the neuron

Ependymal Cells Brain and Spinal Cord Only Line the cavities of the CNS Produce Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) This fluid helps to protect and nourish the cells of the CNS Specialized Fluid

Oligodendrocytes Wrap nerve fibers Similar to a burrito shell around its contents Covering is called the “myelin sheath” Found in CNS Only Insulates the neuron for faster transmission of action potentials Neurons are called “white matter” if they have this wrapping

Schwann Cells PNS (Peripheral Nervous System) Only Myelin Sheaths of the neurons out of the CNS Same Function White matter is term for neurons with this covering

Satellite Cells Surround the cell bodies of the neuron Cell body is the “cell” part of a neuron contains all normal cell organelles and DNA Protection of the cell body is the main function

How does Glia Differ from a Neuron Glia has the ability to repair itself if damaged Glia cannot generate an action potential More glial tissue than nervous tissue Glia is the protective/caretaker material associated with nervous tissue