Neural Tissue Organization and Function

📋 Course Outline

1. Neural Tissue Types
2. Neuron Anatomy
3. Neuron Classification
4. Glial Cells Functions
5. Gray and White Matter
6. Nervous System Organization
7. Sensory and Motor Divisions
8. Synaptic Transmission
9. Efferent Pathways
10. Autonomic Nervous System

📖 1. Neural Tissue Types

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Neurons: Electrically excitable cells that transfer and process information within the nervous system. They have a soma (cell body), dendrites (receive signals), and an axon (transmit signals).
• Neuroglia (Glial Cells): Supportive cells that protect, nourish, and support neurons. Types include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells in the CNS; Schwann cells and satellite cells in the PNS.
• Gray Matter: Regions rich in neuron cell bodies, unmyelinated fibers, and dendrites; appears lighter under a microscope.
• White Matter: Composed mainly of myelinated axons, responsible for communication between different parts of the nervous system; appears darker.
• Myelination: The process of forming a myelin sheath around axons, which increases conduction velocity. Oligodendrocytes in CNS and Schwann cells in PNS perform myelination.
• Synapse: The junction where a neuron communicates with another neuron or effector, involving the release of neurotransmitters.