Neuron & Supporting Cells

Parts of a Synapse

Neuron

Synapse

Synapse

Supporting Cells of the CNS

• Astrocyte • Microglial cells • Ependymal cells • Oligodendrocyte

Astrocyte

• Abundant• Clings to

neurons and anchors them to blood capillaries for nutrients.

http://www.benbest.com/cryonics/Astrocyte.jpg

Microglial Cells

• Spiderlike phagocytes that dispose of debris– Dead brain

cells– Bacteria

http://www.nmhct.nhs.uk/Pharmacy/images/moa-brain-pic-2.gif

Ependymal Cells• Cells that line the cavities of the brain and spinal cord.

http://www.octc.kctcs.edu/gcaplan/anat/Histology/ependymal2.gif

Oligodendrocyte

• Have extensions that wrap tightly around nerve fibers producing myelin sheaths.

http://stemcells.nih.gov/StaticResources/info/scireport/images/figure81.jpg

http://academic.kellogg.cc.mi.us/herbrandsonc/bio201_McKinley/f14-6_cellular_organiza_c.jpg

Supporting Cells of the PNS

• Schwann cells• Satellite cells

Schwann Cells

• Form myelin sheaths around nerve fibers

http://scienceblogs.com/neurotopia/upload/2006/07/neuron.png

Satellite Cells• Act as protective, cushioning cells

http://www.kumc.edu/instruction/medicine/anatomy/histoweb/nervous/small/Nerve07s.JPG