Nerve and M - Lec. 1
Nerve and M - Lec. 1
Nerve and M - Lec. 1
Nerve cell is called neuron. There are 100 billion neurons (±100 million) with different structure, chemistry and
function. Neurons are the functional elements of nervous system while glia are the supporting elements. Glia are 10 times as
many as neurons.
A neuron contains cell body (also called soma or perikaryon) and neurites which involve axons and dendrites. The term
dendritic tree is a collective term for all neurites of a given neuron. The dendrites are small (usually less than 2 mm) and
organized symmetrically (like antennae) and they conduct nerve impulse toward the cell body. The axon is larger (up to 1
meter in length) and it conducts the nerve impulse from the cell body to the axon terminal (also called telodendria). Each
neuron has single axon (but that axon usually branches into several axon collaterals). Most axons are enveloped by myelin
sheath to provide electrical insulation. Neural signals are either efferent (away from the cell body) or afferent (towards the
cell body).
a. Astrocytes:
2- They make exchange between capillaries and neurons (provide nutrients and rid wastes)
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University of Al- Ameed - College of Medicine – Department of Physiology
Professor Dr. Basim Zwain's Lectures on Medical Physiology
b. Microglia: They migrate toward injured or troubled neurons and transform into special type of macrophages. So they are
c. Ependymal cells: They line the central cavities of brain and spinal cord
d. Oligodendrocytes: They are the myelinating glia in central neurons that form myelin sheath which wrap around the axons
to function in insulation.
a. Schwann Cells:
b. Satellite cells: They surround cell bodies in PNS and have many of the same functions as astrocytes in CNS.
Classification of nerves
1. Physioanatomic classification: Neurons are classified into afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor). The sensory and
motor neurons are subdivided into somatic and visceral neurons. Somatic and visceral neurons are further subdivided into
2. Another classification is according to conduction velocity and diameter of nerve fiber. Nerve signal conduction velocity
increases with increased diameter and presence of electrical insulation (myelin sheath). Classes are:
Nerve type Aα has the largest diameter and fastest conduction velocity e.g. somatic motor and proprioceptive nerve fibers.
Nerve type Aβ e.g. sensory fibers of fine touch and fine pressure.
Nerve type Aδ e.g. sensory fibers of acute pain, crude touch and cold.
Nerve type C has the smallest diameter unmyelinated fibers e.g. sensory fibers of chronic pain, heat, gross pressure and