Introduction to Neurons and Neuroscience

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between the Neuron Doctrine and the Law of Dynamic Polarization?

The Neuron Doctrine explains how neurons communicate, while the Law of Dynamic Polarization explains how neurons are structured.

The Neuron Doctrine states that neurons are the basic unit of the nervous system, while the Law of Dynamic Polarization describes the direction of information flow within a neuron. (correct)

The Neuron Doctrine and the Law of Dynamic Polarization are unrelated concepts, each addressing different aspects of neuron function.

The Neuron Doctrine and the Law of Dynamic Polarization are essentially the same concept, both describing the unidirectional flow of information within a neuron.

What is the defining characteristic that distinguishes interneurons from sensory or motor neurons?

Interneurons primarily transmit signals within the central nervous system, while sensory and motor neurons transmit signals to and from the central nervous system. (correct)

Interneurons are responsible for processing information, while sensory and motor neurons are responsible for receiving and sending information.

Interneurons have a smaller cell body than sensory or motor neurons.

Interneurons only communicate with other interneurons, while sensory and motor neurons communicate with both interneurons and other neurons.

Which of the following is NOT a key component of the cytoskeleton?

Microtubules

Microfilaments

Intermediate filaments

Phospholipids (correct)

What type of transport mechanism requires energy to move substances across the plasma membrane?

Active transport (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does increasing the conductance (number of open channels) for potassium ions (K+) impact the resting membrane potential (Vm)?

Decreases Vm, making the cell more negative (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which calcium channel blockers treat multiple sclerosis (MS)?

They slow down the conduction of action potentials, reducing the spread of the disease. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of synaptic transmission, which of the following best describes the role of the SNARE complex?

It mediates the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, promoting neurotransmitter release. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the action of botulinum toxin (BoTox) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) differ from myasthenia gravis?

BoTox blocks the release of acetylcholine, while myasthenia gravis causes the degradation of acetylcholine receptors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributes to the 'all-or-none' nature of an action potential (AP)?

The initial stimulus must always exceed a certain threshold for the AP to occur. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How can the same neurotransmitter have both excitatory and inhibitory effects?

The transmitter molecule binds to different receptor subtypes, causing varied downstream effects. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the amygdala in memory formation?

It regulates the emotional significance of memories. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is primarily associated with the striatum of the basal ganglia?

Procedural memory (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between AMPA and NMDA receptors in terms of their activation?

AMPA receptors are permeable to sodium ions, while NMDA receptors are permeable to both sodium and calcium ions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of long-term potentiation (LTP)?

It is a long-lasting decrease in synaptic efficacy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between the hippocampus and the basal ganglia in memory formation?

The hippocampus is primarily involved with declarative memories, especially spatial information, while the basal ganglia play a crucial role in procedural memory formation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between anterograde and retrograde amnesia?

Anterograde amnesia is an inability to form new memories, while retrograde amnesia is a loss of memories from the past. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is MOST susceptible to disruption by a blow to the head?

Short-term memory (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is MOST likely to be damaged in individuals with Korsakoff's syndrome?

Thalamus (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neuron Structure

Neurons consist of axons, dendrites, soma, and synaptic terminals.

Axon vs Dendrite

Axons transmit signals away from the neuron, while dendrites receive signals from other neurons.