BIO 329 Exam 2: Synapses and Gap Junctions

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What is the process by which the vesicle membrane is recovered after neurotransmitter release?

Exocytosis

Endocytosis (correct)

Diffusion

Enzymatic destruction

What is the primary function of auto-receptors found on the presynaptic membrane?

To increase postsynaptic potentials

To inhibit neurotransmitter release (correct)

To increase neurotransmitter release

To degrade neurotransmitters

What is the purpose of neurotransmitter reuptake into the presynaptic terminal?

To increase neurotransmitter concentration in the synaptic cleft

To degrade the neurotransmitter

To recycle the neurotransmitter for future release (correct)

To desensitize postsynaptic receptors

How do receptor antagonists affect neurotransmitter receptors?

They inhibit the receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of synaptic integration in the central nervous system?

To combine multiple synaptic inputs Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic potentials?

Neurotransmitter release causes depolarization (EPSP) and hyperpolarization (IPSP) of the postsynaptic membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which neurotransmitters are cleared from the synaptic cleft?

Diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of receptor agonists in neuropharmacology?

They mimic the actions of naturally occurring neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between electrical and chemical synapses?

Electrical synapses use gap junctions, while chemical synapses use neurotransmitter release. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mitochondria in chemical synapses?

Mitochondria provide the energy required to pack neurotransmitters into secretory granules. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of gap junctions in electrical synapses?

Gap junctions allow the flow of ions from the cytoplasm of one cell to the cytoplasm of another, enabling electrical coupling. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of synaptic integration in the context of neuronal signaling?

Synaptic integration allows the neuron to generate an action potential by integrating multiple postsynaptic potentials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between Gray's type I and Gray's type II synaptic membrane differentiations?

Gray's type I synapses are asymmetrical and usually excitatory, while Gray's type II synapses are symmetrical and usually inhibitory. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the neuromuscular junction?

The neuromuscular junction is the site where a motor neuron synapses with a muscle fiber to facilitate muscle contraction. Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of exocytosis contribute to the release of neurotransmitters at chemical synapses?

Exocytosis is the process by which neurotransmitter-filled vesicles fuse with the presynaptic membrane, allowing the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of calcium ions (Ca^2+) in the process of neurotransmitter release at chemical synapses?

Calcium ions bind to proteins in the presynaptic terminal, causing them to change conformation and stimulate the release of neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Detecting errors in movements and adjusting the next movement Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is responsible for relaying information about the body’s senses to the rest of the brain?

Thalamus Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the brain?

Controlling the pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

How many cranial nerves are there in the human body?

12 Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is responsible for motor learning and executive functions?

Basal Ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What function does the hippocampus mainly serve in the brain?

Responsible for long term memory Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure provides a link between the central nervous system and the endocrine system?

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the basal ganglia in the brain?

Motor control, motor learning, and executive functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial structure from which the central nervous system (CNS) develops?

Neural tube Signup and view all the answers

Where do the neural crest cells originate?

On either side of the neural tube Signup and view all the answers

What structure produces the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Choroid plexus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the path that the CSF takes before being absorbed into the bloodstream?

Flows from the lateral ventricles through unpaired ventricles in the thalamus, midbrain, and brain stem as well as the spinal canal Signup and view all the answers

Where does the CSF exit the ventricular system?

Through small apertures near the base of the cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

Which cells provide the myelin sheath for the optic nerve axons?

Oligodendroglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

To cushion and protect the brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the neural crest cells?

To give rise to the entire peripheral nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome if an epidural hematoma is not treated quickly and efficiently?

Death Signup and view all the answers

Which space does an epidural hematoma typically occur in relation to the brain?

Epidural space Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape typically described for an epidural hematoma on a CT scan?

Biconvex, lens-shaped Signup and view all the answers

In synaptic transmission, which type of synapse involves the direct connection of adjacent cells by gap junctions?

Electrical synapse Signup and view all the answers

What is the main direction of information flow in synaptic transmission?

Generally in one direction: neuron to target cell Signup and view all the answers

What role does synaptic integration play in exciting a neuron?

Several postsynaptic potentials occurring simultaneously to excite a neuron Signup and view all the answers

How is information typically transferred during a chemical synapse?

Via the release of neurotransmitters detected by an adjacent cell Signup and view all the answers

What can Taylor’s physician do clinically to address the epidural hematoma?

Drain or surgically remove the blood from the brain Signup and view all the answers