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Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements correctly outlines the structure of a neuron?
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?
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?
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?
Which type of neuron acts as the central nodes of the neural circuit for reflex actions?
What is the primary function of GABA as a neurotransmitter?
What is the primary function of GABA as a neurotransmitter?
Which type of neuroglial cell is responsible for myelination in the central nervous system?
Which type of neuroglial cell is responsible for myelination in the central nervous system?
What characteristic distinguishes unipolar neurons from other types of neurons?
What characteristic distinguishes unipolar neurons from other types of neurons?
What is the synaptic cleft?
What is the synaptic cleft?
Histology in the context of neurobiology refers to what?
Histology in the context of neurobiology refers to what?
Which type of ion channel opens in response to changes in membrane potential?
Which type of ion channel opens in response to changes in membrane potential?
Which statement best describes the role of dopamine in the brain?
Which statement best describes the role of dopamine in the brain?
What is a defining characteristic of oligodendrocytes compared to Schwann cells?
What is a defining characteristic of oligodendrocytes compared to Schwann cells?
How do astrocytes contribute to the blood-brain barrier?
How do astrocytes contribute to the blood-brain barrier?
What differentiates microglia from other neuroglial cells?
What differentiates microglia from other neuroglial cells?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the regulation of mood and gastrointestinal activity?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the regulation of mood and gastrointestinal activity?
What main role does epinephrine (adrenaline) serve in the body?
What main role does epinephrine (adrenaline) serve in the body?
Which characteristic is unique to ependymal cells?
Which characteristic is unique to ependymal cells?
The primary function of GABA in the central nervous system is to:
The primary function of GABA in the central nervous system is to:
Neuroglial cells have several functions. Which of the following is NOT one of their functions?
Neuroglial cells have several functions. Which of the following is NOT one of their functions?
What happens during the myelination process in the central nervous system compared to the peripheral nervous system?
What happens during the myelination process in the central nervous system compared to the peripheral nervous system?
Which statement about Alzheimer's disease is accurate?
Which statement about Alzheimer's disease is accurate?
Which cell type is known for its role in attacking pathogens within the central nervous system?
Which cell type is known for its role in attacking pathogens within the central nervous system?
Which of the following molecules plays a significant role in the neuromuscular junction?
Which of the following molecules plays a significant role in the neuromuscular junction?
What is the primary function of satellite cells in the peripheral nervous system?
What is the primary function of satellite cells in the peripheral nervous system?
What distinguishes a pseudounipolar neuron?
What distinguishes a pseudounipolar neuron?
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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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