Neural Signaling Pathway Quiz

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What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

To form the myelin sheath in the PNS

To receive stimuli and send signals to the cell body (correct)

To support and nourish other neurons

To transmit electrical and chemical signals

What is the role of interneurons in the central nervous system?

To receive stimuli from the environment

To transmit information to the CNS

To transmit impulses to muscles and glands

To integrate and sort information (correct)

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?

To transmit electrical and chemical signals

To support and nourish neurons

To receive stimuli from the environment

To insulate and facilitate signal transmission (correct)

What is the term for gaps in the myelin sheath between successive Schwann cells?

Nodes of Ranvier Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a group of neuron cell bodies in the PNS?

Ganglion Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the neural signaling pathway?

Reception of information by a sensory receptor Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the specialized cells that support and nourish neurons?

Glial cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the long, thin extension of a neuron that transmits signals?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the neural signaling pathway?

Action by effectors such as muscles and glands Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a bundle of axons wrapped in connective tissue?

Nerve Signup and view all the answers

What happens to incoming neural signals during integration?

They are summed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of convergence in neural circuits?

To integrate incoming information from various sources Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of divergence in neural circuits?

A single presynaptic neuron stimulates many postsynaptic neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of reverberating circuits in the nervous system?

To facilitate rhythmic breathing, mental alertness, and short-term memory Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for reverberating circuits to function?

Positive feedback Signup and view all the answers

What happens to synapses in reverberating circuits?

They fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of convergence in complex neural circuits?

To integrate information from multiple sources Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of spatial summation in neurons?

The neuron reaches threshold level Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of neural circuits in the CNS?

To integrate incoming information from various sources Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of complex neural circuits?

They involve associations such as convergence and divergence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of astrocytes in the CNS?

To physically support neurons and regulate extracellular fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the resting potential of a neuron and its action potential?

The resting potential is a local response, while the action potential is a wave of depolarization Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nodes of Ranvier in saltatory conduction?

They are the sites where the axon is not covered by myelin Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining the resting potential?

To maintain the gradients of Na+ and K+ ions that determine the resting potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission?

To transmit signals from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between EPSPs and IPSPs?

EPSPs are excitatory, while IPSPs are inhibitory Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of summing incoming signals in a neuron?

Neural integration Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of microglia in the CNS?

To act as phagocytic cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the synaptic vesicles in synaptic transmission?

To release the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a stimulus on the membrane potential of a neuron?

It can cause the neuron to either depolarize or hyperpolarize Signup and view all the answers