Glial cells were originally thought to play a very minor role in the nervous system. In fact, their name is derived from the Greek word for glue. However, recent findings have demonstrated a number of functions for these cells
Discuss these functions and their importance in allowing neurons to function.
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Glial cells are known to play a number of roles in the nervous system. In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells form the myelin or insulation, around the axons of motor or sensory neurons. They are also capable of helping to repair damage to these neurons. In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes generate the myelin sheath. Astrocytes are found throughout the CNS, even wrapping around synapses. They regulate the extracellular environment and can help control levels of neurotransmitters at the synapse. Microglia also help maintain neurons by removing debris and dead cells from the CNS. Lastly, ependymal cells are found lining the ventricles of the brain, and use their cilia to move the cerebrospinal fluid through the cavities of the brain.
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The __________ caudal fins of cruising sharks are much taller on the dorsal side than on the ventral side
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
How is a receptor potential similar to an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) generated at a synapse?
What will be an ideal response?
Infants have __________ deciduous teeth, whereas adults have __________ permanent teeth.
A. 20; 32 B. 16; 20 C. 28; 20 D. 32; 20 E. 32; 32
Which of the following is not true of the process of meiosis?
A. Meiosis ends with the production of diploid gametes that contain 23 chromosomes. B. Meiosis consists of a double division. C. It can also be called oogenesis in the female and spermatogenesis in the male. D. Meiosis begins with a diploid parent cell that contains 46 chromosomes. E. All of these are true of meiosis.