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Nervous System
Prepared by KANEZA
Deogratias, MD
Nervous System
The human nervous system is highly complex. It is
divided into:
Brain
Spinal cord
Summary of Functions of NS
1. The nervous system is the communication system of
the body.
2. Controls body functions and actions.
3. Maintains physiological homeostasis.
astrocytes
oligodendrocytes
microglia
ependymal cells
PNS neuroglia
satellite cells
Histology
Astrocytes
create supportive
framework for neurons
create blood-brain
barrier
monitor & regulate
interstitial fluid
surrounding neurons
secrete chemicals for
embryological neuron
formation
stimulate the formation of
scar tissue secondary to
CNS injury
Histology
Oligodendrocytes
create myelin sheath
around axons of neurons
in the CNS.
Myelinated axons
transmit impulses faster
than unmyelinated axons
Microglia
brain macrophages
phagocytize cellular
wastes & pathogens
Histology
Ependymal cells
line ventricles of brain
& central canal of spinal
cord
produce, monitor & help
circulate CSF
(cerebrospinal fluid)
Histology
Schwann cells
surround all axons of
neurons in the PNS creating a
neurilemma around them.
Neurilemma allows for
potential regeneration of
damaged axons
creates myelin sheath around
most axons of PNS
Satellite cells
support groups of cell
bodies of neurons within
ganglia of the PNS
HistologyNeuron structure
of Ranvier
Classification of neurons
Structural classification based on number of
processes coming off of the cell body:
Classification of neurons
Anaxonic neurons
No anatomical clues to
determine axons from
dendrites
Functions unknown
Classification of neurons
Multipolar neuron
Multiple dendrites &
single axon
Most common type
Classification of neurons
Bipolar neuron
Two processes coming
off cell body; one dendrite
& one axon
Only found in eye, ear &
nose
Classification of neurons
Unipolar (pseudounipolar)
neuron
Single process
coming off cell body,
giving rise to dendrites
(at one end) & axon
(making up rest of
process)
Classification of neurons
Functional classification based on type of information &
direction of information transmission:
Sensory (afferent) neurons:
Transmit sensory information from receptors of PNS towards the
CNS
Most sensory neurons are unipolar, a few are bipolar
Motor (efferent) neurons:
Transmit motor information from the CNS to effectors
(muscles/glands/adipose tissue) in the periphery of the body
All are multipolar
Association (interneurons):
Transmit information between neurons within the CNS; analyze
inputs, coordinate outputs
Are the most common type of neuron (20 billion)
Are all multipolar
Properties of neurons
1. Excitability (irritability): the ability to respond to
environmental changes called stimuli (is the ability to
initiate nerve impulses in response to stimuli) All cells
possess excitability
25
Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson disease (PD), also called paralysis
agitans
is a progressive loss of motor function beginning
in a persons 50s or 60s.
It is due to degeneration of dopamine-releasing
neurons in a portion of the brain called the
substantia nigra.- too little dopamine being
produced.
Symptoms include muscle tremors, muscle
rigidity, and slow, difficult movements. Walking
and speech are often affected.
Parkinsons Disease