LAB - Neurobiology Basics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements correctly outlines the structure of a neuron?

Neurons consist of synaptic terminals, soma, axon, and neurotransmitters.

Neurons are built from axon terminals, cell body, and synaptic clefts.

Neurons are composed of dendrites, soma, axon, and synaptic terminals. (correct)

Neurons only contain a soma and dendrites.

In neurophysiology, what role does the calcium ion channel play during synaptic transmission?

It closes immediately after neurotransmitter release.

It facilitates the influx of calcium ions that trigger vesicle fusion. (correct)

It blocks action potentials from propagating.

It prevents synaptic vesicles from containing neurotransmitters.

What distinguishes excitatory neurotransmitters from inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Excitatory neurotransmitters inhibit cell signaling, while inhibitory neurotransmitters promote action potentials.

Excitatory neurotransmitters promote communication between neurons, while inhibitory neurotransmitters suppress it. (correct)

Excitatory neurotransmitters primarily affect the spinal cord, whereas inhibitory neurotransmitters mainly target the brain.

Excitatory neurotransmitters are only found in motor neurons, while inhibitory neurotransmitters are only found in sensory neurons.

Which type of neuron acts as the central nodes of the neural circuit for reflex actions?

Interneurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of GABA as a neurotransmitter?

To inhibit neuronal activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuroglial cell is responsible for myelination in the central nervous system?

Oligodendrocyte Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes unipolar neurons from other types of neurons?

They have a single process that divides into two branches. Signup and view all the answers

What is the synaptic cleft?

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitter release occurs. Signup and view all the answers

Histology in the context of neurobiology refers to what?

The examination of microscopic structures in nervous tissue. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ion channel opens in response to changes in membrane potential?

Voltage-gated channels Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of dopamine in the brain?

Dopamine is critical for the reward system. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of oligodendrocytes compared to Schwann cells?

Oligodendrocytes can myelinate multiple axons at once. Signup and view all the answers

How do astrocytes contribute to the blood-brain barrier?

By providing metabolic and structural support. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates microglia from other neuroglial cells?

Microglia have a role in recognizing pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the regulation of mood and gastrointestinal activity?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What main role does epinephrine (adrenaline) serve in the body?

Aiding in fight or flight responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is unique to ependymal cells?

They resemble ciliated epithelial cells. Signup and view all the answers

The primary function of GABA in the central nervous system is to:

Reduce neuronal excitability. Signup and view all the answers

Neuroglial cells have several functions. Which of the following is NOT one of their functions?

Conducting action potentials. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the myelination process in the central nervous system compared to the peripheral nervous system?

CNS myelination lacks dense line structures. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Alzheimer's disease is accurate?

It causes senescence of synapse connections. Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type is known for its role in attacking pathogens within the central nervous system?

Microglia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following molecules plays a significant role in the neuromuscular junction?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of satellite cells in the peripheral nervous system?

Providing support and nutrition to neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a pseudounipolar neuron?

It possesses a single axon that splits into two branches. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System Basics

The nervous system contains various cell types, including neurons and neuroglia, found in the brain, spinal cord, ganglia, and peripheral nerves.
Neurobiology is the field focused on the study of nerve cells, while neuroanatomy examines the structure and neurophysiology investigates the functions of the nervous system.

Neurons and Neuroglia

Neurons are specialized cells comprised of soma, dendrites, axon, and synaptic terminals, facilitating communication through synaptic transmission.
Neuroglial cells include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells, satellite cells, and Schwann cells, serving supportive roles in the nervous system.

Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitters

Synaptic transmission is the communication process between neurons involving the transfer of electrical impulses, known as action potentials, through neurotransmitters.
Synaptic vesicles contain neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, while the gap between neurons is termed the synaptic cleft.

Types of Neurons

Three main types of neurons: sensory neurons (carry impulses to CNS), motor neurons (carry impulses from CNS to effectors), and interneurons (connect sensory and motor neurons).
Neurons can also be categorized based on structure into unipolar, bipolar, pseudounipolar, and multipolar.

Ion Channels and Action Potential

Action potentials involve the opening of voltage-gated ion channels, including sodium, potassium, and calcium channels, which enable the electrical signal to propagate.
Voltage-gated calcium channels have a slower response time compared to sodium channels.

Neurotransmitter Functions

Neurotransmitters are classified as excitatory (e.g., glutamate, epinephrine, norepinephrine) or inhibitory (e.g., GABA, glycine, serotonin), affecting neuronal communication.
Glutamate plays a crucial role in neuroplasticity, memory, and learning, while GABA reduces CNS activity.

Glial Cells and Myelination

Astrocytes provide metabolic support, help maintain the blood-brain barrier, and participate in neurotransmitter regulation.
Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells both produce myelin to insulate axons, with oligodendrocytes capable of myelinating multiple axons simultaneously.

Pathologies Affecting the Nervous System

Alzheimer’s disease leads to synaptic dysfunction without neuronal death, while Parkinson's involves dopamine neuron loss in the basal ganglia, affecting movement control.
Multiple sclerosis occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, impairing signal transmission across neurons.

Research Techniques in Neurobiology

Various methods, including MRI, CT scans, electrophysiology, and histology, are employed to study the nervous system's structures and functions.

Key Terms

Neuroplasticity: The ability of the brain to adapt and reorganize itself.
Histology: Microscopic study of tissues, crucial in understanding neuroanatomy.
Pathophysiology: Study of how disease processes affect normal physiological functions, particularly in neurons and glial cells.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of neurobiology, including various cell types, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology. This quiz will cover essential concepts such as neurons, neurotransmitters, and synaptic transmission. Perfect for students studying the nervous system.