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Ch. 12 Nervous Tissue
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 12, Problem 10

Which two types of neuroglia insulate neuron cell bodies and axons in the PNS from their surroundings?

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1
Step 1: Understand that neuroglia (or glial cells) provide support and insulation to neurons in both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Step 2: Identify that in the PNS, there are specific types of neuroglia responsible for insulating different parts of neurons: the cell bodies and the axons.
Step 3: Recognize that satellite cells are the neuroglia that surround and insulate neuron cell bodies in the PNS, providing a protective environment and regulating chemical exchange.
Step 4: Recognize that Schwann cells are the neuroglia that wrap around axons in the PNS to form the myelin sheath, which insulates axons and speeds up nerve impulse conduction.
Step 5: Conclude that the two types of neuroglia insulating neurons in the PNS are satellite cells (for cell bodies) and Schwann cells (for axons).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The PNS consists of all nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord. It connects the central nervous system to limbs and organs, facilitating communication between the body and the brain.
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Peripheral Nervous System

Neuroglia in the PNS

Neuroglia are supporting cells in the nervous system that provide structural and functional support to neurons. In the PNS, key neuroglia include Schwann cells and satellite cells, which help maintain neuron health and function.
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Intro to Nervous Tissue

Insulation of Neurons by Neuroglia

Neuroglia insulate neurons to protect them and enhance signal transmission. Schwann cells wrap around axons forming myelin sheaths, while satellite cells surround neuron cell bodies, isolating them from the surrounding environment.
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