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Neuroanatomia
Bsica
MEduarda
Neurons are the base cellular unit in neuronal tissues, and one of the types
of cells constituting the nervous system. It processes and transmits
information through electro-chemical signals, through synapses small gaps
between a neurons axon and the nexts dendrite.
NOTE: There are exceptions to the above: neurons that lack dendrites, neurons that
have no axon, synapses that connect an axon to another axon or a dendrite to
another dendrite, etc.
Dendrites: thin structures that arise from the cell body, can branch multiple
times, giving rise to a complex "dendritic tree". Microscopically, they contain
several dendritic spines small protrusions that serve as storage sites for
synaptic strength and electrical transmission, increasing the contact
between neurons;
Axon: special cellular process arising from what is called the axon hillock
a key location for potential generation as it has a higher voltage gated ion
channels than the rest of the neuron;
Soma:
body
of
the
neuron,
contains
the nucleus,
most protein
Classification of Neurons
Structur
al
Function
al
Polarity
Direction
Other
Action
Discharge
Patterns
Neurotransmitt
er Production
Fast spiking. Some neurons are notable for their high firing rates, for
example some types of cortical inhibitory interneurons.
F.
three of which are ligand-gated ion channels and one of which is a G-protein
coupled receptor (often referred to as GPCR).
1. AMPA and Kainate receptors both function as cation channels
permeable to Na+ cation channels mediating fast excitatory synaptic
transmission
2. NMDA receptors are another cation channel that is more permeable
to Ca2+. The function of NMDA receptors is dependant on Glycine
receptor binding as a co-agonist within the channel pore. NMDA
receptors do not function without both ligands present.
3. Metabotropic receptors, GPCRs modulate synaptic transmission and
postsynaptic excitability.
Glutamate can cause excitotoxicity when blood flow to the brain is
interrupted, resulting in brain damage, from NMDA and AMPA receptor
activation due to elevated Ca2+ and Na+ entering the post synaptic neuron
and cell damage.
Dopaminergic neurons: these neurons preform both pre and post synaptic
neurotransmission.
QA
2
The cell membranes of the axon and soma contain voltage-gated ion
channels that generate and propagate an electrical signal also called
action potential. These signals are sustained by ions like Na+, K+, Cl and
Ca2+. Movement of ions is affected by their concentration gradients.
Stimuli that can activate a neuron: pressure, stretch, chemical transmitters,
changes of the electric potential.
Action Potential
KEY POINTS
Action potential (AP) is a single, transient reversal of membrane polarity. It is
possible to regenerate it and carry it over the nervous system. It follows the all-ornothing principle.
Three phases of AP
1. Depolarization: quick reversal of the polarity to positivity (from -70
mV to +20 mV), through an explosive opening of Na+ channels
(overshoot). Na+ in > K+ out.
2. Repolarization: the membrane potential returns to -70 mV, whereas
Na+ in < K+ out. K+ channels open up slowly than Na+, therefore
they get to their peak after Na+ Ch start closing.
SYNAPSES
Structure that permits a neuron (or nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chemical
signal to another neuron. Non-neuronal contacts may be referred to as junctions.
Ex:
Chemical
synapses
can
be
classified
according
to
the
neurotransmitter: glutamatergic
(excitatory), GABAergic (inhibitory), cholinergic (excitatory),
and adrenergic (excitatory).
Ca2+ sensitive
proteins attach to
NeuTr vesicles
NT is released to
the cleft, binding
to receptors
A smaller response in
amplitude is
generated, due to
resistance
The receptor is
activated, the NT
released and
recycled by the PrS
neuron.
Depolarization of PrS
membrane causes a
depolarization of the
PS memmbrane
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Pathological Response For Myastenia Gravis, AChR are reduced due to autoimmune responses, resulting in a flattening of the synaptic cleft, decreasing
The thymus is abnormal in -75% of patients ith AChR antibody-positive MG; in -65%
the thymus is "hyperplastic" with the presence of active germinal centers detected
histologically although the hyperplastic thymus is not necessarily enlarged. An
additional 10% of patients have thymic tumors (thymomas). Muscle-like cells within the
thymus (myoid cells) which express AChRs on their surface may serve as a source
of autoantigen and trigger the autoimmune reaction within the thymus gland.