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Exam 2 Study Guide: Synaptic Plasticity and Sensory Transduction

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism by which photoreceptors become hyperpolarized in the dark?

The activation of a sodium-potassium pump, expelling Na+ ions
The closure of Na+ and Ca2+ channels, allowing K+ to flow out
The presence of cGMP, which keeps ion channels open for Na+ and Ca2+ influx (correct)
The opening of Cl- channels, allowing negative ions to enter

What initiates the process of photoreceptor hyperpolarization when light hits the retina?

The depolarization of neighboring bipolar cells, which inhibits the photoreceptors
The activation of rhodopsin, which triggers cGMP to leave the ion channel gate (correct)
The direct closure of Na+ and Ca2+ channels by the incoming photons
The release of a neurotransmitter that binds to and closes ion channels

What is the primary consequence of ion channel closure in photoreceptors during light exposure?

Na+ and Ca2+ can no longer flow in, but K+ can flow out, causing hyperpolarization (correct)
The photoreceptor becomes completely impermeable to all ions, resulting in no change in membrane potential
Cl- ions begin to flow out, causing depolarization of the photoreceptor
The sodium-potassium pump is activated, expelling Na+ and allowing K+ influx

What is the function of the optic nerve in visual processing?

To transmit visual signals from the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) in visual processing?

To relay visual information from the retina to the primary visual cortex with minimal processing (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the primary visual cortex (V1/Brodmann's area 17)?

To receive and process basic visual information from the retinas, forming the foundation of conscious perception (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a correct step in the visual processing pathway?

Retina -> Optic nerve -> Superior colliculus -> Primary visual cortex (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the optic chiasm is INCORRECT?

It integrates visual information from both eyes before sending it to the visual cortex (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about photoreceptor hyperpolarization is CORRECT?

It represents a decrease in the electrical potential across the photoreceptor membrane (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the retina in visual processing?

To convert light energy into electrical signals that can be processed by the brain (A) Signup and view all the answers

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