30 Questions
What is the basic unit of the nervous system?
Neuron
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
Regulation of heart rate and blood pressure
What is the function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Regulation of opposing actions on organs
What is the main function of Voltage-gated potassium channels in the nervous system?
To generate and propagate electrical impulses
What type of neurons are associated with P/Q-type channels?
Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum
How do cranial nerves connect to the CNS?
Through variable connections
What is the role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?
Transmission of signals
What is the function of ligand-gated ion channels?
To allow ions to pass through the membrane in response to a ligand
What is unique about the structure of ligand-gated ion channels?
They have two domains: transmembrane and extracellular
What is the function of nerve cells besides conducting impulses?
All of the above
What is the purpose of the synapse?
To facilitate communication between neurons
What is a characteristic of synapses between different types of excitable cells?
They have varying structures
What is the function of the synaptic terminal?
To release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
What is the purpose of the junctional folds in the sarcolemma?
To create a large surface area for neurotransmitter binding
What is the result of neurotransmitter binding to receptors on the motor end plate?
The passage of Na+ into the cell
What is the function of acetylcholine (ACh) in muscle contraction?
To bind to receptors in the motor end plate and induce muscle contraction
What is the role of the motor neuron in muscle contraction?
To conduct signals from the brain or spinal cord to the muscle
What is the purpose of the synaptic cleft?
To allow the diffusion of neurotransmitters between the synaptic terminal and the motor-end plate
What is the enzyme responsible for converting histidine to histamine?
Histamine decarboxylase
Where is histamine stored in mast cells and basophiles?
In granules, associated with heparin
What is the purpose of H2 blockers?
To block acid secretion from parietal cells of the stomach
What is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter within the brain?
GABA
What is a characteristic of motor neurons that may contribute to their involvement in ALS disease?
Extreme size of cells
How is histamine rapidly inactivated?
By diamine oxidase (histaminase)
Which of the following is a proposed pathogenic mechanism in ALS?
Neuroinflammation
What is the role of glutamate in ALS?
It is a chemical messenger that can be toxic to nerve cells
What is the enzyme responsible for converting glutamate to GABA?
Glutamate decarboxylase
What is a characteristic of ALS pathology?
Loss of cortical pyramidal motor neurons
What is a possible trigger of ALS, according to some scientists?
Autoimmune responses
What is the term for the process by which glutamate can cause damage to nerve cells?
Excitotoxicity
Learn about the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Discover the structure and function of cranial and spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
