Nervous System Basics

16 Questions

Who is the coordinator of the lab classes?

dr Szymon Chowanski

How many lectures are scheduled in the course?

What is the publisher of the Campbell Biology book?

Benjamin Cummings

On which date is the first lecture on Nervous system scheduled?

04.03

What is the title of the book written by Sherwood L.?

Human Physiology: From Cells to systems

What is the room number of dr hab.inż. Pawel Marciniak prof.?

2.124

What is the typical structure of a multipolar neuron?

Multiple processes extend directly from the cell body, typically many dendrites and one axon.

What is the function of the myelin sheath in the nervous system?

To insulate and speed up the transmission of nerve impulses.

Which type of neuron has a single short process that extends directly from the cell body and looks like a T?

Unipolar neuron

What is the term for the difference in electric potential between the exterior and interior of the cell membrane?

Membrane potential

Which ion channel is responsible for the formation of the resting potential?

Potassium ion channel

What is the function of the Na+/K+ pump?

To maintain the resting potential by pumping sodium ions out and potassium ions in.

Which type of neuron has processes that are only dendrites, with no axon present?

Anaxonic neuron

What is the term for the ability of neurons to respond to stimuli?

Excitability

What is the main function of the axon hillock?

To generate action potentials in the neuron.

What is the term for the period of time during which a neuron is unable to generate another action potential?

Refractory period

Study Notes

Nervous System - Basic Function

The nervous system is composed of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)
CNS: brain and spinal cord
PNS: nerves that connect CNS to the rest of the body

Structure of a Neuron

Neuron: basic functional unit of the nervous system
- Dendrites: receive signals
- Cell body: contains nucleus
- Axon: transmits signals
- Myelin sheath: insulates and speeds up signal transmission

Types of Neurons

Multipolar neurons: multiple processes extending from the cell body (most common type)
Bipolar neurons: two processes extending from the cell body (some special sense neurons)
Unipolar neurons: single short process extending from the cell body (most sensory neurons)
Anaxonic neurons: processes are only dendrites, no axon present (interneurons of the CNS)

Important Attribute of Neurons

Neurons are excitable and easily excited

Membrane Potential

Resting membrane potential: -70mV (difference in electric potential between exterior and interior of cell membrane)
Formed by unequal concentrations of K+ and Na+ ions
Ion channels: allow ions to pass through the cell membrane
Na+/K+ pump: active transport counter to ions concentrations, requires energy from ATP

Generation of Action Potential

Stimulus: chemical, physical, or electrical signal
Depolarization: stimulus raises membrane potential, threshold is -55mV
Action potential: signal that carries information along the axon (1-2 msec)
All-or-none response: action potential either occurs or it doesn't, no intermediate responses

Synapses

Chemical synapse: transmission occurs through neurotransmitters
Electrical synapse: transmission occurs through electrical signals
Synaptic transmission: process of transmitting information from one neuron to another
Postsynaptic potential: response of the postsynaptic cell to neurotransmitters (excitatory or inhibitory)

Synapse Functioning

Summation of impulses: multiple signals combined to produce a response
Summation of stimulus: multiple stimuli combined to produce a response

This quiz covers the fundamental functions and structures of the nervous system, including neurons and the central nervous system, based on Campbell and Reece's 2008 work.

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