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.