Back to notes
Explain why nervous tissue's lipid content is crucial but differs from body fat.
Press to flip
Nervous tissue uses lipids in myelin sheaths to speed up nerve impulses, rather than for energy storage or insulation like body fat.
How do adipose cells change under a microscope as they accumulate more lipids?
Adipose tissue thickens because adipose cells enlarge as they store more lipids.
What function aside from support do neuroglia cells perform?
Neuroglia cells contribute to the blood-brain barrier, engulf pathogens, and assist in forming the myelin sheath.
What is the primary component of cell membranes in nervous tissue?
Cell membranes in nervous tissue are primarily composed of phospholipids.
What is the primary reason the brain can be considered high in fat content?
The brain's lipid composition is due to the myelin sheaths, which are rich in phospholipids and enhance rapid signal transmission.
How is adipose tissue layered in the body, as seen in cadaver dissection?
Adipose tissue is found in the hypodermis or subcutaneous layer, beneath the epidermis and dermis.
How does the composition of adipose tissue differ from nervous tissue in terms of lipid content?
Adipose tissue stores lipids for energy, insulation, and protection, whereas nervous tissue uses lipids in myelin sheaths for signal transmission.
What is the significance of white matter in the brain?
White matter contains myelinated axons that facilitate the fast transmission of electrical signals across the brain.
What is the primary function of the myelin sheath in the nervous system?
The myelin sheath insulates axons and significantly increases the speed of electrical signal transmission.
How does the structure of a neuron facilitate its function?
A neuron has a central cell body, dendrites for signal intake, and a long axon for transmitting signals.
Why can the term 'fatty tissue' be misleading when describing the brain?
The term 'fatty tissue' typically refers to adipose tissue, whereas the brain's lipid content is related to the myelin sheaths.
How do neurons and neuroglia cells differ in the brain?
Neurons are responsible for transmitting signals, while neuroglia cells support and protect neurons through various functions, including forming the myelin sheath.
What are the functions of adipose tissue in the body?
Adipose tissue is responsible for energy storage, body insulation, and providing padding or protection.
What role do oligodendrocytes play in the nervous system?
Oligodendrocytes form the myelin sheath, wrapping axons with phospholipid membranes to accelerate electrical signal transmission.
What is the relationship between myelin sheath formation and neural communication speed?
Myelin sheaths increase neural communication speed by insulating axons and facilitating faster electrical conduction.
Previous
Next