1.
Upper motor neurons reside in the cerebral cortex and projects to the spinal cord where theyconnect with the lower motor neurons. The inception and induction ofcomplicated voluntary actions is the primary role of the upper motor neurons. Lower motor neurons act as the signal conduitbetween the upper motor neurons and the skeletal muscles to be innervated. The upper and lower motor neuron are linkedwith interneurons in the spinal cord and hence lower motor neurons originate inthis region and extend to the muscle. While the upper motor neuron triggers thesignal for skeletal movement, the execution of the movement is mediated by thelower motor neuron. 2. Astrocytesare multi-taskers as they perform diverse roles from logistical support thruthe shipment of nutrients, juggling the correct ion concentration andreconstruction during neuronal damage.
Due to the core function of astrocyte withrepair and maintenance, reactive astrongliosis as response to injury andinfection is a hallmark feature of CNS disturbance. Microglia is the devourer of plaques, injured neurons and synapses and pathogens in the central nervous system. The antipodal extremes of low activity (Autism) to over activity (Alzheimer’s)produces pathological effects.
Oligodendrocytes produces myelinsheath to coveraxons as insulation in the central nervous system. Lack of myelination occurswhen oligodendrocytes die, and unmyelinated neurons cannot function properly asseen in multiple sclerosis. 3. “Penicillin cures, but wine makespeople happy.” -Alexander Flemming Wine is believed to be targeting GABA receptors which allow the entry ofchloride ions with a net inhibitory effect. Hence inhibiting GABA is apotential therapeutic target (other antidepressants are targeting GABA). WhileGABAnergic neurons are also located in the cerebellum, hence the reduction ofmotor balance when one consumes wine, a more targeted GABA drug acting solelyon The brain circuits inthe amygdala are thought to comprise inhibitory networks of ?-aminobutyricacid-ergic (GABAergic) interneurons and this neurotransmitter thus plays a keyrole in the modulation of anxiety responses both in the normal and pathologicalstate.
