Neuroanatomy and Nervous System Functions

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Questions and Answers

What is indicated by the term sympathetic division in relation to ganglia?

Ganglia are only found in the spinal cord.

Ganglia do not have a specific location.

Ganglia are located close to the CNS. (correct)

Ganglia are located far from the CNS.

What system is sometimes referred to in relation to the ANS components located in the wall of the digestive tract?

Sympathetic nervous system

Cranial nervous system

Peripheral nervous system

Enteric nervous system (correct)

During the formation of the neural tube, what happens to the neural crest cells?

They undergo apoptosis before forming the tube.

They migrate away from the neural tube.

They loosen and become mesenchymal. (correct)

They remain unchanged throughout the process.

What is the first step in the process of neurulation as described?

Neural folds and neural groove form from the neural plate. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs after the neural folds elevate during neurulation?

Neural folds approach one another. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the notochord in early embryonic development?

It acts as a signaling center for neuroectodermal development. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the mass of neural crest cells positioned during early neurulation?

Atop the newly formed neural tube. Signup and view all the answers

What structures are formed as a result of the fusion of the neural folds?

Neural tube and dorsal epidermis. Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons are located in the granular layer mentioned in the content?

Unmyelinated neurons Signup and view all the answers

In which area of the spinal cord is the gray matter located?

Internally, forming a central region Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is formed by the synapses in the molecular layer?

Purkinje cell dendritic spines Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is NOT associated with the large motor neurons in the ventral horns of the spinal cord?

Large amounts of myelin Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the presence of CSF in the spinal cord?

Central canal Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the intermediate filaments made of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) in astrocytic processes?

To reinforce proximal regions of astrocytic processes Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of astrocytes mentioned, based on their structural characteristics?

Protoplasmic and fibrous Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

To inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at serotonergic CNS synapses Signup and view all the answers

How do astrocytes compare to neurons in terms of quantity in the mammalian brain?

Ten times more abundant than neurons Signup and view all the answers

What type of processes do fibrous astrocytes predominantly have?

Long delicate processes Signup and view all the answers

What is a key structural feature of astrocytes that allows them to associate with a large number of synaptic sites?

Terminal processes that occupy a large volume Signup and view all the answers

From which embryonic structure do astrocytes originate?

Neural tube Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant role of glial cells in the brain?

To support neuronal survival and activities Signup and view all the answers

What role do presynaptic terminals play in neurotransmitter release?

They release neurotransmitters by exocytosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the effect of excitatory neurotransmitters?

They lead to Na+ channels opening in the postsynaptic membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of calcium ions (Ca2+) in the presynaptic neuron?

They trigger exocytosis of neurotransmitter vesicles. Signup and view all the answers

What types of structures are primarily found in the presynaptic terminal?

Synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the postsynaptic membrane?

It has receptor proteins for initiating an impulse. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to acetylcholine after it is released into the synaptic cleft?

It is broken down by enzymes in the synaptic cleft. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of synaptic vesicles in neurotransmission?

To contain and release neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

How is neurotransmitter activity terminated at a synapse?

By enzymatic degradation in the synaptic cleft. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

To form the myelin sheath around axons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a function of ependymal cells?

To line the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is a major role of microglial cells?

To act as immune cells responding to injury or disease Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about perivascular feet is true?

They provide structural support for capillaries Signup and view all the answers

Which function is specifically associated with the production of cerebrospinal fluid?

Ependymal cells Signup and view all the answers

How do oligodendrocytes contribute to neuronal health?

By providing myelin which insulates axons Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes microglial cells from other glial cells?

They function as immune cells within the central nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of neuronal development, which glial cell type plays a supportive role?

Astrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic division is responsible for the body's response to emergencies and excitement.
Its ganglia are located close to the central nervous system (CNS).

The Enteric Nervous System

ANS components found in the digestive tract are referred to as the enteric nervous system.

Neurulation

The neural plate folds to form the neural groove.
The neural groove elevates and approaches one another to form neural folds.
As the neural folds fuse to form the neural tube and dorsal epidermis, neural crest cells loosen and become mesenchymal.
Neural crest cells initially lie atop the newly formed neural tube.

Synapses

The presynaptic axon terminal (terminal bouton) contains mitochondria and synaptic vesicles that store neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters released from excitatory synapses cause the opening of postsynaptic sodium channels.

Glial Cells

Glial cells support neuronal survival and activities. They are most numerous in the brain and are more abundant than neurons.
They originate from progenitor cells of the embryonic neural plate.
Astrocytes are the most diverse structurally and functionally in the brain.
Fibrous astrocytes are abundant in white matter and have long, delicate processes.
Protoplasmic astrocytes predominate in the gray matter and have many shorter processes.
Astrocytes have a large number of long radiating, branching processes.

Functions of Glial Cells

Provide structural support and organization for the central nervous system.
Assists with neuronal development.
Replicates to occupy the space of dying neurons.

Functions of Ependymal Cells

Lines the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.
Assists in the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Functions of Microglial Cells

The brain's resident macrophages.
They are phagocytic immune cells.
They scavenge debris and pathogens by engulfing them.

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord varies in diameter but maintains bilateral symmetry.
It contains a small central canal filled with CSF.
The gray matter is internal in the spinal cord, forming a butterfly-shaped structure.
The white matter surrounds the gray matter and is composed of myelinated axons.
The anterior part of the spinal cord contains motor neurons in large bundles.
The dorsal part of the spinal cord contains sensory neurons.

The Cerebellum

It is located in the posterior cranial fossa, behind the brain stem.
Contains a layer of large Purkinje neurons.
The smaller neurons of the granular layer are unmyelinated.
Neurons in the granular layer form synapses with dendritic spines of Purkinje cells.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to the sympathetic and enteric nervous systems, neurulation, synapses, and glial cells. Test your understanding of how these components contribute to the overall function and structure of the nervous system. Dive into the intricate workings of neural systems with this engaging quiz!