Anatomy and Physiology Week 2

A couple of classes ago we discussed the different types of neuroglial cells. There are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells, and schwaan cells. The astrocytes form the blood brain barrier(which acts as a filter) and helps to maintain the chemical environment. The oligodendrocytes myelinate the axons in the CNS(once cell can myelinate many axons). The microglia act as phagocytes and engulf invading microbes. The ependymal cells produce CSF, circulate CSF, and lines the ventricles of the brain. Last the schwaans cells myelinate the PNS(one cell wraps one axon) and gives the possibility for regrowth. These cells are all important because they all have specific functions to help our body acheive homeostasis.

Anatomy and Physiology Week 1

Last class one of the things we discussed were channels in Neurons. The Chemically Regulated Channel(CRC), are located in the dendrites of the neuron. They are closed and in a resting state until Neurotransmitters cause them to open. Ach is what binds to the Na+ channel(which is the receptor). The slow gate is always open until the neurotransmitter binds which causes the fast gate to open. The fast gate will then only stay open until the neurotransmitter degrades, or achase breaks down the ach.
Another channel we discussed was the voltage regulated channel(VRC), which are located in the axon hillock of the neuron. These channels are always closed, in a resting state. They don't open until there is a change in membrane potential(charge difference).
Both of these pumps relates to us every day. They help to let our body know when there is an homeostatic imbalance that needs to be fixed.