Which cells surround neuron cell bodies in sympathetic ganglia?

Which cells surround neuron cell bodies in sympathetic ganglia?

• A. Smooth muscle cell
• B. Schwann cell
• C. Satellite cells
• D. Neuron

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that peripheral ganglia are wrapped by specialized glial cells around each neuron’s cell body. In sympathetic ganglia, these cells are satellite cells. They form a protective and functional envelope around the soma, helping regulate the local environment, including ion balance and nutrient support, which is crucial for the neuron's excitability. Schwann cells, by contrast, surround axons in peripheral nerves and form myelin (or provide support for unmyelinated fibers), not around neuron cell bodies. Smooth muscle cells are the targets of sympathetic signals, not components of the ganglionic environment. Neurons themselves aren’t the cells that surround other neurons in this context. So, satellite cells are the cells that encase neuron cell bodies in sympathetic ganglia.

The key idea is that peripheral ganglia are wrapped by specialized glial cells around each neuron’s cell body. In sympathetic ganglia, these cells are satellite cells. They form a protective and functional envelope around the soma, helping regulate the local environment, including ion balance and nutrient support, which is crucial for the neuron's excitability.

Schwann cells, by contrast, surround axons in peripheral nerves and form myelin (or provide support for unmyelinated fibers), not around neuron cell bodies. Smooth muscle cells are the targets of sympathetic signals, not components of the ganglionic environment. Neurons themselves aren’t the cells that surround other neurons in this context.

So, satellite cells are the cells that encase neuron cell bodies in sympathetic ganglia.