1.

Complete the table below:

GLIAL CELL CHARACTERISTICS FUNCTIONS
ASTROCYTES Astrocytes, also known as Astrocytes support the
astroglia, are characterized by trophic and metabolic
their star-like shape and are the development of neurons.
most abundant cell type in the As they mature, these
brain. cells have a broad range
of functions in
myelination, neuronal
migration and
synaptogenesis.
OLIGODENDROCYTES Oligodendrocytes have small
amounts of cytoplasm
surrounding rounded nuclei,
and possess only a few short
processes. There are two main
types: satellites around
neurons in the gray matter.
myelin-forming cells in the
white matter.
MICROGLIAL Microglia are the resident
immune cells of the CNS. In
the steady state, microglia are
constantly surveilling their
environment and facilitating
the maintenance of synapses.
These cells are characterized
by a small cell body with fine,
ramified processes and low
expression of surface
antigens.
SCHWANN CELLS Schwann cells are a variety of
glial cells that keep peripheral
nerve fibres (both myelinated
and unmyelinated) alive. In
myelinated axons, Schwann
cells form the myelin sheath.
The sheath is not continuous.
SATELLITE CELLS Satellite cells are generated
during embryonic development
and persist in adult muscle.
They are characterized by the
expression of Pax7 and their
location underneath the basal
lamina of muscle fibers. In
resting skeletal
muscle satellite cells are
mostly quiescent.
Questions for Research:
1. What are the three major functions nervous tissues? Give a brief discussion about each
function
Nervous tissue is the primary tissue that composes the central nervous system and
the peripheral nervous system. Neurons are the basic unit of nervous tissue. They are
responsible for sensing stimuli and transmitting signals to and from different parts of an
organism. In addition to neurons, specialized cells known as glial cells serve to support
nerve cells. As structure and function are very much intertwined within biology, the
structure of a neuron is uniquely suited to its function within nervous tissue.
2. Discuss how the central nervous tissues and the peripheral nervous tissues function
together.
The central nervous system or the CNS contains the brain and the spinal cord.
All together, the brain and the spinal cord serve the nervous system's command
station.The peripheral nervous system or PNS contains the nerves, which leave the
brain and the spinal cord and travel to certain areas of the body.

References

Bailey, R. (2018, August 5). Nervous Tissue. Retrieved March 8, 2020, from Thought co:
https://www.thoughtco.com/nervous-tissue-anatomy-373196

Function and Characteristics of Astrocytes in Disease and Development. (2020, February 18). Retrieved
March 8, 2020, from News Medical Life Sciences: : https://www.news-
medical.net/whitepaper/20190930/Function-and-Characteristics-of-Astrocytes-in-Disease-and-
Development.aspx