Nervous System Cells Overview
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Questions and Answers

The two types of cells in the NS are neurons and ______.

supporting cells

The main function of the neuron is ______-processing.

information

Dendrites are tree branch-like structures that ______ messages.

receive

The long slender part of a neuron that carries messages is called the ______.

<p>axon</p> Signup and view all the answers

Terminal buttons contain ______ that are essential for neuron communication.

<p>neurotransmitters</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is the jellylike substance filling the inside of the neuron.

<p>cytoplasm</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sensory neurons carry messages from sense receptors to the brain or ______.

<p>spinal cord</p> Signup and view all the answers

Multipolar neurons give rise to one axon and many ______ trees.

<p>dendritic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Astrocytes provide ______ support and nutrients to neurons.

<p>physical</p> Signup and view all the answers

Microglia protect neurons from harmful ______.

<p>microorganisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oligodendroglia provide a ______ sheath in the central nervous system.

<p>myelin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Schwann Cells are responsible for myelin sheath formation in the ______.

<p>peripheral nervous system</p> Signup and view all the answers

Neurons possess a selectively permeable ______ that regulates the flow of ions.

<p>membrane</p> Signup and view all the answers

During resting conditions, the membrane is permeable to ______ ions.

<p>potassium</p> Signup and view all the answers

The difference in ion concentration across the cell membrane creates an electrical ______.

<p>charge</p> Signup and view all the answers

The semipermeable barrier between blood and brain is known as the ______.

<p>blood-brain barrier</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nicotine increases the release of ______.

<p>acetylcholine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Curare blocks the receptor sites of ______.

<p>acetylcholine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Botulin is a poison that blocks the release of ______.

<p>acetylcholine</p> Signup and view all the answers

L‐dopa converts into ______ in the brain.

<p>dopamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Amphetamines increase ______ and norepinephrine.

<p>dopamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

MDMA, or ecstasy, destroys ______ nerve cells in animals.

<p>serotonin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Opiates increase the production of ______.

<p>endorphins</p> Signup and view all the answers

Caffeine reduces the ability of the brain to produce ______.

<p>adenosine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Electrostatic force pushes K+ in sodium‐potassium pumps, exchanging Na+ for ______, pushing three sodium ions out for every two potassium ions they push in.

<p>K+</p> Signup and view all the answers

The resting membrane potential of a neuron is typically around ______ mV.

<p>-70</p> Signup and view all the answers

During an action potential, Na+ channels open and ______ diffuses in, causing the polarity to briefly reverse.

<p>Na+</p> Signup and view all the answers

After the Na+ channels close, K+ channels open and ______ diffuses out, aiding in the repolarization of the neuron.

<p>K+</p> Signup and view all the answers

The threshold of ______ is the membrane potential that must be reached to initiate an action potential.

<p>excitation</p> Signup and view all the answers

While the membrane potential reduces during depolarization, it approaches ______ mV.

<p>zero</p> Signup and view all the answers

Once all channels are closed, the Na-K pump moves Na+ back ______ and K+ back in.

<p>out</p> Signup and view all the answers

A voltage‐dependent ion channel opens or closes according to the value of the ______ potential.

<p>membrane</p> Signup and view all the answers

The axon terminal contains synaptic vesicles that contain ______.

<p>neurotransmitter</p> Signup and view all the answers

A ______ synapse occurs when the postsynaptic membrane is a dendrite.

<p>axodendritic</p> Signup and view all the answers

The major sequence of events at the synapse begins with the neuron synthesizing ______.

<p>chemicals</p> Signup and view all the answers

An action potential triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the ______.

<p>synaptic cleft</p> Signup and view all the answers

Most ionotropic effects rely on ______ or GABA.

<p>glutamate</p> Signup and view all the answers

The postsynaptic cell may send ______ feedback to slow neurotransmitter release.

<p>negative</p> Signup and view all the answers

Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) is a ______ potential that decays over time and space.

<p>graded</p> Signup and view all the answers

Metabotropic receptors initiate a sequence of slower and ______ lasting metabolic reactions.

<p>longer</p> Signup and view all the answers

One factor associated with Parkinson’s disease is degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra that produce ______.

<p>dopamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dopamine is involved in attention, learning, memory, and emotional ______.

<p>arousal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Excessive levels of dopamine can lead to schizophrenia-like symptoms such as hallucinations and ______.

<p>perceptual disorders</p> Signup and view all the answers

Serotonin is involved in mood, sexual behavior, and pain ______.

<p>perception</p> Signup and view all the answers

A factor associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression is ______.

<p>serotonin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Endorphins are involved in sexuality, pregnancy, labor, and positive ______ associated with aerobic exercise.

<p>emotions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Anxiety and mood disorders can also be associated with ______.

<p>serotonin</p> Signup and view all the answers

The brain's natural opiates, such as endorphins, help regulate ______ perception.

<p>pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

Muscle rigidity is a symptom associated with ______-like symptoms.

<p>schizophrenia</p> Signup and view all the answers

Body experiences pain may indicate that the body is not giving adequate warning about ______.

<p>pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neuron

The basic unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron, containing the nucleus and other vital organelles.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

The long, slender projection of a neuron that carries signals away from the cell body.

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Terminal Buttons

Small knobs at the ends of axons that release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons.

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Sensory Neuron

A type of neuron that carries sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.

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Motor Neuron

A type of neuron that carries motor commands from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

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Interneuron

A type of neuron that connects sensory and motor neurons, found primarily in the central nervous system.

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Glial Cells

Specialized cells that support and protect neurons in the nervous system.

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Astrocyte

A type of glial cell that provides physical support, nourishment, and cleans up debris in the brain.

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Microglia

A type of glial cell that protects the brain from harmful microorganisms.

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Oligodendroglia

A type of glial cell that provides insulation for neurons in the central nervous system (CNS).

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Schwann Cell

A type of glial cell that provides insulation for neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

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Satellite Cell

A type of glial cell that provides physical support for neurons in the PNS.

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Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

A semipermeable barrier between the blood and the brain, formed by specialized cells in the brain's capillaries.

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Resting Membrane Potential

The difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a neuron at rest.

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Synaptic Cleft

The space between the axon terminal of a neuron and the dendrite, cell body, or another axon of a postsynaptic neuron.

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Synaptic Vesicles

Small, spherical sacs located within the axon terminal that store and release neurotransmitters.

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Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synaptic cleft.

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Postsynaptic Membrane

The part of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.

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Ionotropic Receptor

A type of receptor that directly opens ion channels when a neurotransmitter binds to it.

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Metabotropic Receptor

A type of receptor that initiates a series of metabolic reactions when a neurotransmitter binds to it, leading to slower and longer-lasting effects.

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Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

A temporary change in the electrical potential of a cell membrane, making it more likely to fire an action potential.

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Spatial Summation

The process by which multiple EPSPs from different synapses combine to increase the likelihood of a neuron firing.

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Sodium-Potassium Pump

A type of protein embedded in the cell membrane that actively pumps sodium ions (Na+) out of the cell and potassium ions (K+) into the cell, maintaining the neuron's resting potential.

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Action Potential

A rapid change in the electrical potential across a neuron's membrane, caused by the flow of ions. It's the basis for communication between neurons.

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Depolarization

The process of making the inside of a neuron more positive. This is the first step in generating an action potential.

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Threshold of Excitation

The level of depolarization that must be reached for an action potential to occur.

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Voltage-Dependent Ion Channel

A channel in the neuron's membrane that opens or closes in response to changes in the membrane potential. It's involved in generating action potentials.

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Hyperpolarization

The process of the membrane potential becoming more negative than the resting potential after an action potential.

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Dynamic Equilibrium

The movement of ions across the cell membrane in a way that results in no net change in the concentration of ions. This is important for maintaining the resting membrane potential.

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Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction, memory, and learning. It's also affected by certain drugs.

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Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with reward, pleasure, movement, and motivation. It's often implicated in addiction.

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Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and aggression. It's also affected by certain antidepressants.

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Endorphins

Natural painkillers produced by the brain. Their release can be triggered by exercise, laughter, and certain drugs.

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Stimulants

Drugs that increase the activity of the nervous system. They can elevate mood, increase alertness, and suppress appetite.

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Caffeine

A stimulant that acts as an antagonist of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that inhibits arousal. It's found in coffee and tea.

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Nicotine

A stimulant that affects the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. It's found in tobacco products.

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Excitatory Neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that is excitatory, meaning it increases the likelihood of a neuron firing.

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Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that is inhibitory, meaning it decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing.

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Parkinson's Disease

A condition characterized by degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra, which produce dopamine. This leads to muscle rigidity, tremors, and other motor difficulties.

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Schizophrenia

A mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and negative symptoms. Dopamine imbalances may play a role.

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Autism

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests.

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Endorphin Imbalance

A condition where the body does not signal pain appropriately, because of an imbalance in endorphins.

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Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter that can be either excitatory or inhibitory, depending on the type of receptor it binds to. It is involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and cognitive function.

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Study Notes

Nervous System Cells

  • Two main cell types in the nervous system:
    • Neurons: Information-processing and transmitting cells
    • Supporting cells: Also called glial cells; support and nourish neurons

Neuron Structure

  • Soma (cell body): Contains the nucleus and other organelles
  • Dendrites: Branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons
  • Axon: Long, slender projection that transmits messages to other neurons
  • Terminal buttons: Small knobs at the end of the axon that release neurotransmitters

Neuron Types (Functional)

  • Sensory neurons: Transmit messages from sensory receptors to the brain or spinal cord
  • Motor neurons: Transmit messages from the brain or spinal cord to muscles and organs
  • Interneurons: Transmit information between sensory neurons and motor neurons; found in the central nervous system (CNS)

Neuron Types (Structural)

  • Unipolar neurons: Have one axon attached to the soma that divides into receiving and sending parts
  • Bipolar neurons: Give rise to one axon and one dendritic tree, at opposite ends of the soma

Supporting Cells (Glial Cells/Neuroglia)

  • Astrocytes: Physical support, nutrient provision, cleaning up brain debris
  • Microglia: Protect from harmful microorganisms
  • Oligodendroglia: Provide myelin sheath in the CNS
  • Schwann cells: Provide myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
  • Satellite cells: Physical support in the PNS

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

  • A semipermeable barrier between blood and brain tissues; formed by cells in the walls of brain capillaries
  • Protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood

Neural Communication

Activity Within a Neuron

  • Neurons act as tiny batteries; electric signals arise from ion movement across the membrane
  • Charged molecules (ions) are found in both intracellular and extracellular fluid, but in different concentrations

Synaptic Communication

  • The gap between neurons; filled with extracellular fluid
  • Presynaptic cell: Sends the message
  • Postsynaptic cell: Receives the message
  • Synaptic vesicles contain neurotransmitters
  • Neurotransmitters travel across the synaptic cleft and attach to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron

Types of Receptors

  • Ionotropic receptors: Neurotransmitters attach, immediately opening channels
    • Usually fast and short-lived
  • Metabotropic receptors: Neurotransmitters attach, initiating a sequence of slower and longer-lasting metabolic reactions

Neural Integration

  • Spatial summation: Synaptic input from multiple locations can combine to trigger a nerve impulse
  • Temporal summation: Repeated stimuli from one location can combine to trigger a nerve impulse

Drug Effects on Synapses

  • Drugs can affect the synthesis, storage, release, or reuptake of neurotransmitters
  • Drug action can be agonist (mimics a neurotransmitter) or antagonist (blocks a neurotransmitter)

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Explore the essential components of the nervous system in this quiz. Learn about the different types of neurons, their structures, and their functions in transmitting information. Test your knowledge on neuron types and the role of supporting cells.

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