Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main function of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
What is the main function of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
Which types of neurons are included in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
Which types of neurons are included in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
What is the primary role of microtubules within the axon?
What is the primary role of microtubules within the axon?
What characteristic of the resting neuron contributes to its polarization?
What characteristic of the resting neuron contributes to its polarization?
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What type of conduction occurs in myelinated axons?
What type of conduction occurs in myelinated axons?
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What best describes the nature of graded potentials?
What best describes the nature of graded potentials?
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What is the primary function of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)?
What is the primary function of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)?
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What role do Na+/K+ pumps play in neuron physiology?
What role do Na+/K+ pumps play in neuron physiology?
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What is the primary role of Ca²⁺ influx in neurotransmission?
What is the primary role of Ca²⁺ influx in neurotransmission?
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How does stronger stimuli affect action potentials?
How does stronger stimuli affect action potentials?
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Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in skeletal muscle contraction?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in skeletal muscle contraction?
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What effect does GABA have on neurons?
What effect does GABA have on neurons?
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What differentiates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
What differentiates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
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In the context of sensory adaptation, which statement is true regarding smell compared to taste?
In the context of sensory adaptation, which statement is true regarding smell compared to taste?
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What type of neurotransmitter receptors are found in the parasympathetic nervous system?
What type of neurotransmitter receptors are found in the parasympathetic nervous system?
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How do SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) affect serotonin levels?
How do SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) affect serotonin levels?
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What characterizes supertasters compared to non-tasters?
What characterizes supertasters compared to non-tasters?
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Flashcards
Nervous System Divisions
Nervous System Divisions
The nervous system is divided into CNS (Central Nervous System) and PNS (Peripheral Nervous System).
CNS Function
CNS Function
The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, processing and interpreting information.
PNS Components
PNS Components
The PNS includes sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) neurons, and is divided into somatic and autonomic systems.
Neuron Structure
Neuron Structure
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Blood-Brain Barrier
Blood-Brain Barrier
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Resting Membrane Potential
Resting Membrane Potential
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Action Potential
Action Potential
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Graded Potentials
Graded Potentials
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Ca²⁺ Influx
Ca²⁺ Influx
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Neurotransmitter Removal
Neurotransmitter Removal
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Depolarizing Synaptic Potential
Depolarizing Synaptic Potential
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Hyperpolarizing Synaptic Potential
Hyperpolarizing Synaptic Potential
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Action Potential Frequency
Action Potential Frequency
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Motor End Plate
Motor End Plate
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Common Excitatory Neurotransmitters
Common Excitatory Neurotransmitters
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Somatic vs. Autonomic Control
Somatic vs. Autonomic Control
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Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic
Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic
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Taste Buds
Taste Buds
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Study Notes
Nervous System Organization (Lecture #1)
- The nervous system uses electrical and chemical signals to control body functions.
- It's divided into the CNS (Central Nervous System) and PNS (Peripheral Nervous System).
- CNS: Processes information; includes the brain and spinal cord.
- PNS: Transmits signals between CNS and body; includes nerves.
- CNS organization involves interpreting and processing information.
- PNS includes sensory (afferent) neurons and motor (efferent) neurons, further categorized into somatic (voluntary) and autonomic (involuntary) divisions.
- Neuron structure: Dendrites receive signals, cell body (soma) integrates, axon transmits impulses, axon terminals release neurotransmitters.
- Microtubules are vital for transporting molecules within the axon, including neurotransmitters.
- The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) protects the CNS by preventing harmful substances from entering. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides nutrients.
- The blood-brain barrier can be affected by diseases such as meningitis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and stroke.
- The spinal cord transmits signals and orchestrates reflexes; it has gray matter (cell bodies) and white matter (axons).
- Peripheral nerves primarily consist of axons.
- A reflex arc is a simple neural circuit where sensory neurons directly synapse onto motor neurons, enabling rapid, involuntary responses.
Neuron Communication (Lecture #2)
- Resting neuron has a membrane potential of approximately -70mV.
- Inside the neuron: High potassium (K+) and negatively charged proteins. Outside: High sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-).
- Polarization is due to ion imbalance.
- The Na+/K+ pump maintains the imbalance by actively transporting 3 Na+ ions out and 2 K+ ions in, using ATP energy.
- Action potentials occur in axons; involve Na+ channels opening for depolarization, followed by K+ channels opening for repolarization.
- Action potentials are non-decremental; signal strength remains constant over distance.
- Myelinated axons conduct signals faster due to saltatory conduction (jumping between Nodes of Ranvier).
- Unmyelinated axons conduct signals slower through continuous conduction.
- Synaptic potentials are graded and decremental; strength varies and weakens over distance.
- Synaptic sequence: Action potential reaches terminal → influx of Ca2+ triggers neurotransmitter release → neurotransmitter binds to receptors on dendrites.
- Neurotransmitters are removed from the synapse: broken down, reabsorbed, or diffuse away.
- Depolarizing neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate) open Na+ channels. Hyperpolarizing ones (e.g., GABA) open Cl- or K+ channels.
- Stronger stimuli result in more frequent, not larger, action potentials.
- At the motor end plate, acetylcholine (ACh) binds to nicotinic receptors, causing Na+ influx and muscle contraction.
- Acetylcholinesterase breaks down ACh to terminate the signal.
- Common neurotransmitters and their effects: Excitatory (glutamate, dopamine, ACh - nicotinic); Inhibitory (GABA, glycine); Both (dopamine, serotonin, ACh - muscarinic).
- Substances affecting neural transmission: Cocaine blocks dopamine reuptake; Botulinum toxin prevents ACh release; Curare blocks nicotinic receptors; SSRIs increase serotonin by blocking reuptake.
Autonomic Nervous System (Lecture #3)
- Somatic nervous system controls voluntary actions (skeletal muscles). Autonomic controls involuntary functions (e.g., heart, digestion), influenced by the hypothalamus and brainstem.
- Somatic responses are faster (due to thick myelinated axons), while autonomic responses are slower (due to thin or unmyelinated axons).
- Sympathetic ("fight or flight") response: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, bronchodilation, and glucose release. Parasympathetic ("rest and digest"): Lowers heart rate, boosts digestion.
- Neurotransmitters involved: Somatic (ACh - nicotinic); Parasympathetic (ACh - muscarinic); Sympathetic (ACh -> norepinephrine - adrenergic).
- Adrenal glands release epinephrine (adrenaline) in short-term stress response.
- Cortisol (a steroid) is involved in long-term stress response, regulating glucose metabolism and suppressing the immune system.
Smell & Taste (Lecture #4)
- Smell has a strong emotional connection, with the olfactory bulb connecting to the limbic system.
- More smells than tastes exist.
- Sensory adaptation reduces sensitivity over time.
- Taste buds are located on papillae and regenerate from stem cells.
- Taste sensitivity varies: Bitter is most, followed by sour, sweet/umami, and salty.
- Supertasters have more taste buds and are more sensitive (common in women). Non-tasters have fewer and better tolerate strong flavors.
Hearing & Vision (Lectures #5 & #6)
- Sound travels: Pinna → auditory canal → eardrum → ossicles → cochlea → auditory nerve.
- The basilar membrane detects sound frequencies based on place coding (base for high, apex for low frequency).
- Vision pathway: Cornea → aqueous humor → lens → retina.
- Accommodation (lens thickening) adjusts for near vision, regulated by the parasympathetic system.
- Photoreceptors in the retina: Rods detect light, and cones detect color (red, green, blue).
- Melatonin regulates circadian rhythms, influenced by blue light exposure.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental organization of the nervous system, including distinctions between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). You'll learn about neuron structure, the role of microtubules, and protective mechanisms like the Blood-Brain Barrier. Test your understanding of how signals are processed and transmitted in the body.
