Neurobiology and Physiology Quiz

Neuron Function

• Neuron structure:
  • Dendrites: receive signals from other neurons
  • Cell body: contains nucleus and maintains cell function
  • Axon: transmits signals to other neurons or effectors (muscles or glands)
  • Terminal buttons: release neurotransmitters into synapse
• Neurotransmission:
  • Electrical signal reaches axon terminal
  • Neurotransmitters released into synapse
  • Bind to receptors on postsynaptic neuron
  • Generate postsynaptic potential (EPSP or IPSP)
• Neuron types:
  • Sensory neurons: transmit sensory information from receptors to CNS
  • Motor neurons: transmit signals from CNS to effectors
  • Interneurons: integrate and process information within CNS

Sensory Processing

• Sensory receptors:
  • Specialized cells that detect specific stimuli (e.g., light, sound, touch)
  • Convert stimuli into electrical signals
• Sensory pathways:
  • Signals transmitted from receptors to CNS through sensory neurons
  • Processed and integrated in specific brain regions
• Sensory modulation:
  • Filtering out irrelevant information
  • Enhancing relevant information
  • Modulating sensitivity to stimuli

Motor Control

• Motor pathways:
  • Signals transmitted from CNS to effectors through motor neurons
  • Control voluntary movements (e.g., walking, talking)
• Motor units:
  • Group of muscle fibers and associated motor neuron
  • Control muscle contraction and relaxation
• Motor learning:
  • Practice and repetition to develop new motor skills
  • Involves changes in neural connections and strength

Reflexes

• Reflex arc:
  • Sensory receptor detects stimulus
  • Signal transmitted to CNS through sensory neuron
  • Response generated and transmitted to effector through motor neuron
• Types of reflexes:
  • Withdrawal reflex: rapid response to painful or threatening stimuli
  • Stretch reflex: regulates muscle length and tone
  • Tendon reflex: monitors muscle tension and length
• Reflex integration:
  • Reflexes can be modified or overridden by higher-level brain regions
  • Allow for rapid, automatic responses to specific stimuli

Homeostasis

• Homeostatic regulation:
  • Maintenance of stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions
  • Regulated by negative feedback mechanisms
• Homeostatic control systems:
  • Thermoregulation: regulates body temperature
  • Blood sugar regulation: maintains glucose levels
  • Blood pressure regulation: maintains blood pressure
• Homeostatic imbalances:
  • Can lead to disease or disorders (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
  • Require correction through behavioral or medical interventions