Textbook Question
In the CNS, a neuron typically receives information from other neurons at its:
(a) Axon
(b) Nissl bodies
(c) Dendrites
(d) Nucleus
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Ch. 12 Nervous Tissue
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology25
- Ch. 2 The Chemical Level of Organization34
- Ch. 3 The Cellular Level of Organization29
- Ch. 4 The Tissue Level of Organization24
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System17
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Structure33
- Ch. 7 The Axial Skeleton11
- Ch. 8 The Appendicular Skeleton17
- Ch. 9 Joints13
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue12
- Ch. 11 The Muscular System28
- Ch. 12 Nervous Tissue18
- Ch. 13 The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal Reflexes22
- Ch. 14 The Brain and Cranial Nerves20
- Ch. 15 Sensory Pathways and the Somatic Nervous System17
- Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions30
- Ch. 17 The Special Senses15
- Ch. 18 The Endocrine System21
- Ch. 19 Blood31
- Ch. 20 The Heart31
- Ch. 21 Blood Vessels and Circulation26
- Ch. 22 The Lymphatic System and Immunity25
- Ch. 23 The Respiratory System4
- Ch. 24 The Digestive System18
- Ch. 26 The Urinary System31
- Ch. 27 Fluids & Electrolytes30
- Ch. 28 The Reproductive System12
- Ch. 29 Development and Inheritance17
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 12, Problem 4
Phagocytic cells in nervous tissue of the CNS are:
(a) Astrocytes
(b) Ependymal cells
(c) Oligodendrocytes
(d) Microglia.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of phagocytic cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Phagocytic cells are responsible for engulfing and digesting cellular debris, pathogens, and dead cells to maintain a healthy environment in the CNS.
Review the functions of each cell type listed: Astrocytes provide structural support and regulate the blood-brain barrier; Ependymal cells line the ventricles and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid; Oligodendrocytes produce myelin sheaths around CNS axons; Microglia act as the resident immune cells and perform phagocytosis.
Identify which cell type is specialized for phagocytosis. Since microglia are the immune cells of the CNS, they are the primary phagocytic cells responsible for removing waste and pathogens.
Confirm that microglia are derived from the same lineage as macrophages and have the ability to migrate and engulf harmful substances, distinguishing them from the other glial cells.
Conclude that the correct answer is microglia, as they are the phagocytic cells in nervous tissue of the CNS.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Phagocytic Cells in the CNS
Phagocytic cells are specialized cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens. In the central nervous system (CNS), these cells help maintain homeostasis and protect neural tissue by removing harmful substances.
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Microglia
Microglia are the primary phagocytic cells of the CNS. They act as the brain's resident immune cells, constantly surveying the environment and responding to injury or infection by engulfing damaged cells and pathogens.
Other Glial Cells in the CNS
Astrocytes, ependymal cells, and oligodendrocytes are other types of glial cells in the CNS. While they support neurons in various ways, such as nutrient supply, forming myelin, or producing cerebrospinal fluid, they do not have phagocytic functions like microglia.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Receptors that bind acetylcholine at the postsynaptic membrane are:
(a) Chemically gated channels
(b) Voltage-gated channels
(c) Passive channels
(d) Mechanically gated channels
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Textbook Question
What are the major components of the peripheral nervous system?
Textbook Question
The neural cells responsible for the analysis of sensory inputs and coordination of motor outputs are:
(a) Neuroglia
(b) Interneurons
(c) Sensory neurons
(d) Motor neurons