Chemical synapses
“Traditional” synapse when you think of the word.
The small gap between the terminal button and either the dendrite of a subsequent neuron or the membrane of a muscle or other effector.
Electrical synapses
Gap junctions between cells that allow for electrical signals to pass very quickly from cell to cell.
Only found in certain locations:
- the retina
- smooth muscle
- cardiac muscle
- the CNS
Acetylcholinesterase
A specific enzyme that the synaptic cleft that breaks down acetylcholine.
Be prepared for questions about ACh inhibitors (antagonist) or activators (agonist).
What kind of effects would be seen if a drug were an Acetylcholinesterase agonist or antagonist?
Glia
Neural support cells
- Schwann cells
- Oligodendrocytes
- Microglia
- Astrocytes
Schwann Cells
Produce myelin in the PNS.
A glial cell.
Oligodendrocytes
Myelin producing glial cell in the CNS.
Astrocytes
Have a supportive and nourishing function for neurons.
Get in the way to prevent CNS tracts from healing in traumatic brain damage.
Microglia
Glial cells that act as macrophages in the CNS.
Interneurons
- what do they do
- how many are there (generally)
Connect afferent and efferent neurons.
Transfer and process signals.
The brain and 90% of all other neurons are interneurons.
