Clinical Neuroscience Week 1 – Embryological Development and Cell Pro (Hard)

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a correct pairing of a term and its definition?

Nucleus: Groups of neurons located within the CNS that share similar function
Tract: A bundle of axons traveling together in the CNS
Nerve: A bundle of axons located outside the CNS
Ganglia: Groups of neuronal cell bodies within the CNS that share similar function (correct)

Which combination correctly describes the function and pathways of the Somatic Nervous System?

Afferent only, providing sensory information from the external environment
Efferent only, controlling skeletal muscle for voluntary movement
Afferent/Efferent via skeletal muscle from the external environment (correct)
Afferent/Efferent via smooth muscle and glands from the internal environment

If a neuroanatomist is describing a structure as being ‘medial’, what is the most accurate interpretation?

The structure is located furthest away from the midline of the brain
The structure is located on the ventral side of the brain
The structure is located on the dorsal side of the brain
The structure is located towards the midline of the brain (correct)

Which plane of section divides the brain into anterior and posterior portions?

Coronal plane (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct term used to describe the direction of movement along the spinal cord from the brainstem towards the tail end?

Caudal (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is primarily composed of myelinated nerve fibers?

White matter (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms is NOT synonymous with the other three?

Caudal (D) Signup and view all the answers

A group of axons traveling together within the CNS is known as a:

Tract (C) Signup and view all the answers

During the early stages of development, which layer of the embryo eventually gives rise to the neural plate that forms the basis of the central nervous system?

Ectoderm (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary signaling mechanism employed by the notochord during embryonic development?

Secretion of chemical signaling molecules (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary developmental structure that gives rise to the ganglia of the peripheral nervous system?

Neural crest (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is responsible for forming the ventral nerve roots that carry motor signals to the muscles?

Basal plate (C) Signup and view all the answers

During the development of the brain, which primary vesicle eventually differentiates into the thalamus and hypothalamus?

Prosencephalon (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the structure that connects the third and fourth ventricles of the brain?

Cerebral aqueduct (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT derived from the rhombencephalon (hindbrain)?

Thalamus (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the clinical consequence of a failure of the neural tube to close properly during embryonic development?

Spina Bifida (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which subtype of Arnold Chiari malformation is typically asymptomatic?

Type I (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary underlying cause of hydrocephalus in individuals with Arnold Chiari malformation?

Blockage of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (D) Signup and view all the answers

The development of the brain and spinal cord occurs at different rates, leading to a significant difference in the length of the neural tube in adults. Which of the following structures marks the final ending point of the neural tube in adults?

The level of L1-L2 (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is responsible for forming the dorsal nerve roots, which carry sensory information to the spinal cord?

Alar Plate (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the small tunnel that links the ventricular system of the forebrain to the hindbrain?

Cerebral aqueduct (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential consequence of exposure of the neural tube in individuals with spina bifida?

Damage to the central nervous system (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most caudal aspect of the rhombencephalon, which eventually differentiates into the medulla oblongata and the pons?

Myelencephalon (A) Signup and view all the answers

The optic outgrowth from the prosencephalon eventually develops into what structure?

The eyes (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following is NOT a component of the 'conducting area' of a neuron?

Dendrite (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the "presynaptic terminal" in neuronal communication?

Releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron possesses a single axon and multiple dendrites, making it the most common type in the nervous system?

Multipolar neuron (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a neuron, what is the primary function of microtubules?

Providing structural support and scaffolding for the neuron (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the 'resting membrane potential' of a neuron?

It is primarily established by the passive movement of potassium out of the neuron (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental difference between 'passive' and 'active' ion channels?

Passive channels allow ions to move across the membrane based on their concentration gradient, while active channels require energy to open and close. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the significance of 'nodes of Ranvier' in nerve conduction?

They are specialized regions where sodium channels are concentrated, allowing for efficient saltatory conduction. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for the electrical signal to travel 'all-or-nothing' down the axon?

To ensure that the signal remains consistent in strength despite the distance traveled. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly states the 'temporal sequence of nerve conduction'?

Synaptic input --> local potential --> action potential --> neurotransmitter release (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of 'neurotransmitter vesicles' in neuronal communication?

They store and release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'synaptic cleft' in neuronal communication?

To house the receptors that bind neurotransmitters and initiate a response in the postsynaptic neuron. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'sodium-potassium pump' in maintaining the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

To transport sodium ions into the neuron and potassium ions out of the neuron. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a major ion involved in the process of nerve action potential?

Iron (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the 'depolarization phase' of an action potential?

It is triggered by the opening of sodium channels, allowing sodium to flow into the neuron. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of 'myelin' in nerve conduction?

To insulate the axon and speed up the conduction of action potentials. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a 'non-surgical treatment' that capitalizes on the principles of neuronal communication?

Craniotomy (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

It is a demyelinating disorder of the CNS. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these glial cells is responsible for producing myelin in the peripheral nervous system?

Schwann cells (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nodes of Ranvier?

To facilitate the rapid conduction of action potentials along the axon. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a function of astrocytes?

Production of myelin in the CNS. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of myelin formation differ between the CNS and PNS?

The glial cells responsible for myelin production are different in the CNS and PNS. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about multiple sclerosis is TRUE?

It can lead to increased muscle tone and hyperreflexia. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the role of calcium ions in neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic terminal?

Calcium ions bind to proteins associated with vesicles, facilitating their fusion with the presynaptic membrane. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the action potential is characterized by the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels and the influx of sodium ions into the axon?

Depolarization (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of neuroglia in the nervous system?

To support the metabolic processes and signaling of neurons. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of action potentials?

Their amplitude is proportional to the intensity of the stimulus. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the blood-brain barrier?

To prevent the entry of harmful substances into the brain. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between astrocytomas and glioblastomas?

Astrocytomas are benign tumors while glioblastomas are malignant. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of microglial cells?

To remove cellular debris and pathogens in the CNS. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the hyperpolarization phase important in the action potential cycle?

It prevents the neuron from firing uncontrollably. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a key characteristic of a local potential?

It can be either excitatory or inhibitory. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of myasthenia gravis?

To inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct order of events for the transmission of a nerve impulse?

Synaptic input - local potential - action potential - neurotransmitter release. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is the MOST CORRECT about the function of voltage-gated sodium channels opening in the action potential?

Voltage-gated sodium channels open to allow sodium to enter the neuron in order to create a positive charge (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Ion pumps in the process of generating nerve impulses?

They actively transport ions across the membrane, establishing and maintaining the concentration gradients that drive the electrical signals. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of calcium ions in facilitating the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse?

Calcium ions bind to proteins associated with synaptic vesicles, leading to their fusion with the presynaptic membrane and exocytosis of neurotransmitters. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of electrical synapses?

They require a neurotransmitter to facilitate communication between neurons. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neurotransmitter receptor is directly involved in opening ion channels, allowing rapid transmission of signals?

Ionotropic receptors (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter?

It is involved in muscle contraction and other bodily functions, including memory and learning. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters is considered inhibitory and plays a role in regulating anxiety and seizures?

GABA (B) Signup and view all the answers

The process of hyperpolarization in a neuron refers to:

The neuron becoming more negatively charged, making it less likely to fire an action potential. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of the refractory period in a neuron?

It is a period when the neuron requires a stronger-than-usual stimulus to fire an action potential. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the presynaptic terminal in chemical neurotransmission?

It synthesizes and packages neurotransmitters into vesicles for release. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic of chemical synapses?

They allow for more rapid communication compared to electrical synapses. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary difference between ionotropic and metabotropic receptors?

Ionotropic receptors directly open ion channels, while metabotropic receptors use a secondary messenger system. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which Botox (Botulinum toxin) exerts its effects?

Botox interferes with calcium ion influx into the presynaptic terminal, inhibiting the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an accurate description of Myasthenia Gravis?

It is an autoimmune disease that destroys the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors, leading to muscle weakness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary functions of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine?

They are involved in the regulation of mood, arousal, and attention. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nucleus

Groups of neurons within the CNS with similar function.

Ganglia

Groups of neuronal cell bodies outside the CNS sharing functions.