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Nerve and M - Lec. 1

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University of Al- Ameed - College of Medicine – Department of Physiology

Professor Dr. Basim Zwain's Lectures on Medical Physiology


I. Nerve

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).

Types of glia in central nervous system (CNS):

a. Astrocytes:

1- They support the neurons

2- They make exchange between capillaries and neurons (provide nutrients and rid wastes)

3- They guide the migration and growth of young neurons

4- They transmit certain impulses in the brain (like neurons)

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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

the scavenger cells that get rid of microorganisms or neural debris.

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.

Types of glia in peripheral nervous system (PNS):

a. Schwann Cells:

1- They produce myelin sheath and neurilemma in peripheral neurons

2- They aid in regeneration of damaged peripheral nerve fibers

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

general and special neurons.

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 Aγ e.g. motor fibers to muscle spindle.

Nerve type Aδ e.g. sensory fibers of acute pain, crude touch and cold.

Nerve type B e.g. preganglionic autonomic nerve fibers.

Nerve type C has the smallest diameter unmyelinated fibers e.g. sensory fibers of chronic pain, heat, gross pressure and

postganglionic sympathetic fibers.

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