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Quizzes > Science > Biology

How Well Do You Know Neuroglia in the CNS & PNS?

Ready to explore neuroglia cns and neuroglia in the pns? Take the quiz and prove your understanding!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for neuroglia quiz on a golden yellow background.

Calling all neuroscience enthusiasts, students, and educators! Ready to explore the fascinating world of types of neuroglia cells? Our free Types of Neuroglia Quiz: Master CNS & PNS Glial Cells challenges you to distinguish every glial superstar - from astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in neuroglia cns to Schwann and satellite cells in neuroglia in the pns - reinforcing your familiarity with neuroglial cells in the pns. Test your recall of their functions, locations, and unique properties, and see where you stand. Afterward, deepen your prep with our CNS glial review or try a quick cell types practice quiz . Jump in now and boost your confidence!

What is the primary function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?
Phagocytose pathogens and debris in the CNS
Line the ventricles and produce cerebrospinal fluid
Provide metabolic support for neurons and modulate synaptic transmission
Form the myelin sheath around PNS axons
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells in the CNS that regulate extracellular ion concentrations, supply nutrients to neurons, and modulate synaptic activity. They maintain neurotransmitter uptake and contribute to blood - brain barrier function. Astrocytes do not form myelin or directly engage in immune defense, which are roles of other glial types.
Which neuroglial cell myelinates axons in the peripheral nervous system?
Schwann cells
Oligodendrocytes
Microglia
Astrocytes
In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells wrap their membranes around axons to form the myelin sheath, which increases action potential conduction velocity. Oligodendrocytes perform a similar function in the CNS, but each Schwann cell myelinates a single axon segment. Astrocytes and microglia have different supportive and immune roles respectively.
Microglia primarily function as:
Cells that form tight junctions in the blood - brain barrier
Glial cells that myelinate multiple axons
Resident immune cells of the CNS that clear debris
Cells lining the cerebral ventricles
Microglia are the resident macrophages of the CNS, responsible for detecting and phagocytosing pathogens, cell debris, and dead neurons. They play a central role in immune surveillance and inflammatory responses within the brain and spinal cord. They are distinct from glial cells like astrocytes that maintain homeostasis or oligodendrocytes that produce myelin.
Which neuroglial cell is responsible for forming the blood - brain barrier?
Microglia
Oligodendrocytes
Schwann cells
Astrocytes
Astrocyte end-feet envelop blood vessels and help form the blood - brain barrier, regulating the passage of molecules from the bloodstream into the CNS. They release factors that maintain tight junctions between endothelial cells. Other glial cells do not contribute directly to the barrier formation.
Oligodendrocytes differ from Schwann cells in that they:
Form the epithelial lining of ventricles
Are found exclusively in the peripheral nervous system
Myelinate multiple axons from a single cell
Function as the main immune defense in the CNS
Oligodendrocytes in the CNS extend multiple processes that can myelinate segments of several axons simultaneously, unlike Schwann cells which myelinate only one segment of a single axon in the PNS. This ability allows efficient insulation of many neuronal fibers by fewer cells. They are distinct from peripheral glia and immune glia.
Which cell type lines the ventricles of the brain and produces cerebrospinal fluid?
Ependymal cells
Oligodendrocytes
Astrocytes
Schwann cells
Ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord, possessing cilia that help circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They form a barrier between the CSF and neural tissue and are involved in CSF production. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and Schwann cells do not line ventricles.
Which cell type expresses the surface marker CD68 in the CNS?
Microglia
Astrocytes
Oligodendrocytes
Schwann cells
Microglia express surface markers such as CD68, which is commonly used to identify them and other macrophage-lineage cells in tissue. CD68 is a lysosomal glycoprotein involved in phagocytosis and immune responses. Other glial cells do not typically express this marker.
Which protein is the main component of myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS?
Peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22)
Myelin basic protein (MBP)
S100 protein
Proteolipid protein (PLP)
Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is one of the major protein components of the CNS myelin sheath produced by oligodendrocytes. It is critical for compacting the layers of myelin membrane. Proteolipid protein (PLP) is also significant, but MBP is the hallmark structural protein.
Mutations in which gene primarily affect the function of astrocytes and lead to Alexander disease?
GFAP
MBP
PLP1
PMP22
Mutations in the gene encoding Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) cause Alexander disease, leading to the accumulation of GFAP in astrocytes and formation of Rosenthal fibers. GFAP is an intermediate filament protein specific to astrocytes and is critical for their structural integrity. Other myelin-related genes do not directly impact astrocyte function in Alexander disease.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify CNS Neuroglia -

    Recognize and name the key types of neuroglia cns, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells, based on their unique functions and characteristics.

  2. Distinguish PNS Neuroglial Cells -

    Differentiate neuroglia in the pns such as Schwann cells and satellite cells, understanding how they support peripheral nerves compared to central glial cells.

  3. Analyze Myelinating Glial Cells -

    Compare and contrast Schwann cells with oligodendrocytes in terms of myelin production, structure, and distribution across the PNS and CNS.

  4. Explain Neuroglial Functions -

    Describe the essential roles of various types of neuroglia cells in maintaining homeostasis, forming the blood-brain barrier, and responding to neural injury.

  5. Apply Knowledge to Quiz Questions -

    Use your understanding of neuroglial cells in the pns and cns to accurately answer quiz questions, reinforcing retention of glial cell types and functions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Astrocytes -

    Primary neuroglia cns cells that maintain blood - brain barrier integrity and ion balance, especially K+. Think "A for Anchor": they anchor neurons to capillaries and support synaptic function. Their star-shape is a key hallmark in histology slides and emphasizes their extensive end-feet network.

  2. Oligodendrocytes vs. Schwann Cells -

    Oligodendrocytes myelinate multiple CNS axon segments, whereas Schwann cells wrap a single PNS axon per cell. A quick mnemonic: "O-olig gives an Octopus of wraps, S-Schwann sticks to one." Proper myelination accelerates action potential conduction up to 100× faster.

  3. Microglia -

    These resident immune cells of the CNS derive from mesodermal lineage and constantly survey the environment with mobile processes. They phagocytose debris and pathogens via receptors like TLR4, releasing cytokines when activated. Recall "micro soldiers" to remember their defense role in neural health.

  4. Ependymal Cells -

    Line brain ventricles and the central canal, producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid via cilia-driven flow. They form the choroid plexus epithelium and help regulate CSF composition and pressure. Mnemonic: "E for Elevator" reminds you of their role in moving fluid throughout the CNS.

  5. Satellite Cells -

    These neuroglial cells in the PNS surround neuron cell bodies within ganglia, regulating nutrient exchange and ion homeostasis. They're small and flattened, acting like astrocytes but in peripheral ganglia. The phrase "satellite support squad" helps recall their supportive and protective function.

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