How Fish Schools Swim Together

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Questions and Answers

What enables schools of fish to swim in unison?

Independently swimming patterns

Complex verbal communication

Simple rules and sensory cues (correct)

Random movements

What role do evolutionary pressures play in the behavior of fish schools?

They hinder fish from schooling

They reduce energy efficiency

They enhance group cohesion and survival (correct)

They increase competition among fish

What are the two fundamental types of cells in the nervous system?

Muscle cells and epithelial cells

Neurons and glia (correct)

Epithelial cells and connective tissue

Red blood cells and white blood cells

What is the primary function of neurons in the nervous system?

Transmitting information Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

What can be found at the end of an axon?

Synaptic terminals Signup and view all the answers

What critical information can animal research provide that is often restricted in humans?

Relationship between brain activity and behavior Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron transmits signals from the central nervous system to muscles?

Motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of nutrition for vertebrate neurons?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily used to transport certain chemicals into the brain?

Active transport Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the electrical difference in charge between the inside and outside of a neuron?

Resting potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate thickness of a neuron's membrane?

8 nanometers Signup and view all the answers

What are negatively charged proteins inside the cell primarily responsible for?

Maintaining resting potential Signup and view all the answers

Which chemicals are actively transported into the brain besides glucose?

Amino acids and purines Signup and view all the answers

What is a nerve impulse also known as?

Action potential Signup and view all the answers

What structure covers all parts of a neuron?

Cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) regarding nutrient supply?

To selectively permit essential nutrients while blocking harmful substances. Signup and view all the answers

How does the blood-brain barrier protect neurons from damage?

By regulating the entry of blood-borne neurotoxins. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the BBB have on peripheral neurotransmitters?

It prevents peripheral neurotransmitters from affecting brain function. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of the BBB's role in modulating the immune response?

Protection against excessive immune responses that could lead to damage. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the brain considered an 'immune-privileged' site?

Because the BBB limits immune system access to the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the BBB play in cognitive processes such as memory and learning?

It ensures neurons are not exposed to environmental changes in the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

What overall function does the blood-brain barrier serve for the brain?

To protect the brain from external threats and maintain a stable environment. Signup and view all the answers

How does the BBB contribute to the isolation of the brain's neurotransmitter systems?

By preventing the influence of peripheral neurotransmitters on the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of synapse increases the likelihood of the post-synaptic neuron firing an action potential?

Excitatory Synapses Signup and view all the answers

Where are gap junctions primarily found?

Heart Signup and view all the answers

What term describes persistent changes in synaptic strength important for learning and memory?

Long-Term Plasticity Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the opening of ion channels in the next neuron during signal transmission?

Binding of neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step when a neuron sends a signal?

Neurotransmitter Release Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of temporal summation?

Accumulation of signals arriving in rapid succession Signup and view all the answers

What happens during Short-Term Plasticity?

Temporary changes in synaptic strength Signup and view all the answers

How does spatial summation occur?

Signals from multiple neurons arrive simultaneously at one neuron Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is associated with inhibitory synapses?

GABA Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of synaptic delay?

0.5 to 2 milliseconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of receptors in the synaptic transmission process?

Open ion channels Signup and view all the answers

What does synaptic specificity ensure in neural communication?

That neurons connect in specific ways Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes inhibitory synapses?

They decrease the likelihood of neuron firing. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs after neurotransmitter molecules attach to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron?

The activity of the postsynaptic neuron is altered Signup and view all the answers

What role does calcium play in neurotransmitter release?

It triggers the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic terminal Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the sequence of chemical events at a synapse?

The neuron synthesizes neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Schools of Fish and Coordination

Schools of fish swim together through sensory feedback, behavioral synchronization, and hydrodynamic interactions.
Simple rules and sensory cues help fish maintain group cohesion, enhancing predator evasion and energy efficiency.
Coordination among fish is a result of evolutionary adaptations for survival in complex environments.

Insights from Animal Behavior on Human Evolution

Observing animal life, behaviors, and genetics provides critical information about human evolution.
Research on animals can reveal important insights about the development of the human species.

Research Limitations with Human Subjects

Legal and ethical constraints restrict certain types of human research.
Animal studies, such as brain activity in rats, provide insight into behavior and medical progress not possible with human subjects.

Cells of the Nervous System

Neurons and glial cells are the two main cell types in the nervous system, each serving vital roles.

Neurons

Function: Neurons transmit information via electrical impulses and chemical signals.
Structure: Neurons consist of a cell body (soma), dendrites for signal reception, and an axon for signal transmission.
Axons may have a myelin sheath that speeds up signal transmission.
Neurons are categorized by function (sensory, motor, interneurons) and structure (unipolar, bipolar, multipolar).

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

The BBB regulates nutrient supply and protects the brain from neurotoxins in the bloodstream.
It prevents harmful substances from entering the brain while allowing essential nutrients like glucose and amino acids.

Neurotransmitter Isolation

The BBB separates neurotransmitter systems to prevent peripheral neurotransmitters from affecting brain function.
This isolation allows for precise regulation of neurotransmission in the brain.

Cognitive Protection

Neurons are sensitive to environmental changes; the BBB maintains a stable environment, crucial for cognitive processes such as memory and learning.

Minimization of Immune Interaction

The BBB limits immune system access, reducing the risk of autoimmune attacks on brain tissue.
This immune privilege protects the brain from potential damage.

Nourishment of Vertebrate Neurons

Vertebrate neurons primarily rely on glucose for energy, utilizing active transport mechanisms for nutrient uptake.

Nerve Impulse

A nerve impulse, or action potential, is an electrical signal that travels along the axon.
The nerve impulse flows due to polarization and ion movements across the neuron's membrane.

Synaptic Mechanisms

Excitatory Synapses: Promote action potential firing, acting as a "go" signal.
Inhibitory Synapses: Decrease the likelihood of firing, functioning as a "stop" signal.

Plasticity in Synapses

Short-Term Plasticity: Refers to temporary changes in synaptic strength, such as facilitation or depression.
Long-Term Plasticity: Involves enduring changes critical for learning and memory.

Synaptic Strength Changes

Strength can be altered by increasing the number of ion channels that open following neurotransmitter binding.

Integration of Signals

Temporal Summation: Accumulates signals arriving in quick succession.
Spatial Summation: Aggregates simultaneous signals from multiple sources.

Synaptic Delay

The transmission delay across a synapse usually ranges from 0.5 to 2 milliseconds.

Synaptic Specificity

Synapses form between specific neurons at designated sites, creating distinct communication networks within the brain.

Sequence of Chemical Events at a Synapse

Neurons synthesize neurotransmitters, transmit action potentials, and release these chemicals into the synaptic cleft.
Neurotransmitters attach to receptors, causing changes in the postsynaptic neuron’s activity.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of fish schools and their ability to swim in unison. This quiz delves into sensory feedback, behavioral synchronization, and the hydrodynamic principles that contribute to their coordinated movements. Discover how these adaptations enhance their survival in the aquatic environment.