Question

Why are glial cells referred to as the "forgotten brain cells?" state five ways that glia differ from neurons. what would happen to your behavior if your glia suddenly stopped functioning?

Answer 1

1. Glial cells are refereed to as forgotten cells because the number of scientific research carried out on glial cells is very small compared to the other nerve cells. The other nerve cells in the nervous system have been focus of research for years, this is done in order to better understand human brain; but the glial cells have not receive that same kind of attention from researchers.

2. The following differences exist between neurons ans glial cells:
a. Glia cells has only one process while neurons have two processes, which are axon and dendrites.
b. Glial cells can not generate action potentials while neurons can.
c. Neuron have resting potential; glia cells do not.
d. Neurons possess chemical synapses which use neurotransmitters. Glial cells do not possess chemical synapses.
e. The glial cells in the nervous system are much more in number than the neurons.

3. If the glial cells stop functioning in a human being, the entire nervous system will start to malfunctioning. This is because the roles that the glial cells play in the nervous system are very important ones that are very necessary for the overall functioning of the nervous system.