Basis of differentiation | Neurons | Neuroglia |
Definition | Are functional cells in the nervous system, involved in receiving and transmitting nerve impulses | Are the supporting cells in the nervous system, responsible for providing neurons with mechanical, structural, and nutritional support |
Also known as | Nerve cells | Glial cells or glia |
Significance | Are the functional unit of the nervous system | Are the supporting cells of the neurons |
Size | Ranges from 4 μm to 1 mm | Smaller than neurons |
Structure | Consist of a cell body or soma, an axon and dendrites | Axons and dendrites are absent |
Presence of granules | Have Nissal granules | Granules are absent |
Function | Involved in the signal transduction, conducting and transmitting impulses | Provide neurons with support, packaging, and nutrients |
Role in communication | Participate directly in neural communication | Do not directly participate in neural communication |
Formation of synapses | Form synapses between adjacent neurons, and between neurons and the sensory or effector organs | Do not form synapses |
Effect of age on quantity | Number of neurons remains the same with age | Number of neuroglia decreases with age |
Ability to multiply in a mature nervous system | Are incapable of multiplying | Are capable of multiplying by themselves |
Repair | Limited ability to regenerate | Play a role in the repair of the nervous system |
Types | 3 types:
| 4 types in the CNS:
2 types in the PNS:
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