Glial cell

Neurons are not the only cells that occupied the central nervous system (CNS). In fact, neurons are outnumbered by supportive non-excitable cells, collectively called neuroglia (a.k.a. glia). The term glia was coined by Rudolph Virchow in 1859 to indicate the “connective tissue” surrounding the neurons (glia came from Greek meaning glue). However, the combination of the activities of glial cells and neurons is crucial for brain functions (Steward 2000). There are three types of glial cells in the CNS that can be distinguished by size and embryonic origin: oligodendrocytes (a.k.a. oligodendroglia), astrocytes (a.k.a. astroglia) and microglia (Fig. 1.1). In the peripheral nervous system (PNS) Schwann cells can be found. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes…

Glial Cells are supporting cells in the nervous system (central nervous system [CNS] and peripheral nervous system [PNS]) which aid in the efficiency of neural operations in the nervous system, (Carlson, 2013). Carlson (2013, p.36) indicates the general functions of the glial cells as: keeping neurons in place; supplying neurons with nutrients and the chemicals needed to communicate with each other; protecting neurons from each other to promote coherent messages; and “destroying and removing the…

A Glial Cell is a non-neuronal cell that maintains homeostasis from myelin and it also provides support and it provides protection from neurons in the central nervous system. Glial cells also provide support and protection for neurons in the peripheral nervous system. Glial cells are known as being in large quantities in the central nervous system. Glial cells are very different form nerve cells. They differ in the way that they do not participate in synaptic interactions and electrical…

nervous system has cells that serve as protective barriers for our bodies. Glial cells do not directly participate in our synaptic interaction and electrical signs. Their function is mainly to support function in order to define contacts and maintain signaling abilities in neurons. There are too many “glia” to count in our nervous system. These cell are much smaller than a neuron, and do not have axons or dendrites. The term “glia” (from the Greek word meaning “glue”) reflects the…

Temporal analysis of gene expression in the embryonic murine Schwann cell lineage 1Anjali Balakrishnan, 2Morgan G. Stykel, 1,2Yacine Touahri, 2*Jeff Biernaskie, 1*Carol Schuurmans Institutional Affiliations: 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the Cumming School of Medicine, 2Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, both in the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of…

gain in function by the protein. When this occurs, the TDP-43 protein has usually shifted its location from the nucleus to throughout the cytoplasm of the cell. This abnormal accumulation of TDP-43 in the cytoplasm is not only found in neurons and glial cells of the primary motor cortex but as well as in brainstem motor nuclei, the spinal cord, and in certain associated white matter tracts (Mackenzie et al 2010). It is at this point that TDP-43 becomes phosphorylated and the C-terminus cleaved…

For the purpose of this report we will be focusing mainly on the base level of cells, and those of an animal. Within all organisms we find cells, they form the life blood of their being. Cells contain the blue prints for all life forms known as D.N.A. Cellular structure While complex, cellular structures can also be relatively simplistic in design. Each component of the cell plays a vital role, working together in harmony to provide life. Initially we must look at the cell membrane. The cell…

infectivity. During acute infection, infected cells releases Tat by extracellular means and becomes engulfed by neighboring cells, where it activates viral replication thus increases virus infectivity. Vital brain cells known as neurons can be indirectly damaged by HIV. It infects macrophages and microglia-cells that nurture the brain, causing them to produce toxins that instruct neurons to kill themselves. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase is a rate-limiting enzyme. It can degrade…

1. What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis? Define each term, and then explain how each process contributes differently to the conception and growth of a zygote. The two ways cell division can occur are through mitosis and meiosis. In mitosis, a cell produces two clones of itself, each with the same number of chromosomes. In meiosis, a cell will produce four cells called gametes through the process of spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Gametes are most commonly known as sperm cells in…

in stem cell research. While humans have come far in preventative measures and treatments for many types of disease, there are still many that take people from their families and friends every year. However controversial, stem cell research has greatly improved our understanding of the human body, and it is that research that will finally lead to the demise of the diseases many suffer from. Stem cell research has the potential to treat various neurodegenerative diseases, repair damaged parts of…