Neurons: Structure, Function, and Signaling

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Questions and Answers

Information is sent from the dendrites to the _____, where an action potential may be generated.

axon hillock

Each part of a neuron carries out a specific function, just as different types of neurons are responsible for specific actions. In the following choices, which paring of neuron structure is paired with a type of neuron that carries out a similar function?

  • dendrites and afferent neurons (correct)
  • dendrites and efferent neurons
  • axons and interneurons
  • cell body (soma) and efferent neurons

A selectively permeable plasma membrane

  • permits the free passage of some materials but restricts passage of others. (correct)
  • prohibits entry of all materials into the cell at certain times.
  • allows materials to enter or leave the cell only using active processes.
  • permits only water-soluble materials to enter or leave the cell freely.

Neurons can be classified based on structural differences.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which a cell engulfs large particles or even whole cells by wrapping them in its membrane?

<p>Phagocytosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a synapse?

<p>To transmit signals between neurons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do receptors play in the functioning of a synapse?

<p>They bind to neurotransmitters and initiate a response in the postsynaptic neuron (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Myelin is a fatty substance that surrounds the axons of many neurons, forming a protective layer known as the _____. This structure increases the speed of nerve impulse conduction through a process called _____.

<p>myelin sheath, saltatory conduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the falling phase of an action potential?

<p>Inhibition of sodium channels and opening of potassium channels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the falling phase, the membrane potential of a neuron becomes more _____.

<p>negative</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does potassium play in the falling phase of an action potential?

<p>It exits the cell, helping to repolarize the membrane. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Membrane equilibrium can be influenced by the permeability of the membrane to specific ions.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The human body maintains a constant temperature as part of its homeostatic processes.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Homeostasis can only be maintained in a specific range and cannot adapt to changes in the environment.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

While propagating down the axon, an action potential's amplitude will

<p>not changing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Place the following events of the action potential in the correct order.

  1. Voltage-gated Na+ channels open, and Na+ flows in
  2. Voltage-gated K+ channels close, membrane potential returns to rest
  3. Membrane is depolarized to threshold
  4. Voltage-gated Na+ channels close
  5. Voltage-gated K+ channels open, membrane rapidly repolarizes
  6. Membrane rapidly depolarizes

<p>3, 1, 6, 4, 5, 2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is communication between cells so important for proper function of the multicellular organism?

<p>All of the choices are correct. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The resting membrane potential is a measure of charge difference across the unstimulated cell membrane. This charge difference can exist because

<p>the membrane has lipid components that serve as an insulator (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of signaling involves chemical messengers working on other cells in the immediate neighborhood of secretory cell?

<p>paracrine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about receptors?

<p>all receptors are proteins (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Down-regulation and up-regulation of the receptors are both examples of a common theme in physiology known as

<p>negative feedback (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A cell at rest will be more likely to lose K+ than gain Na+ because the membrane has

<p>more K+ leak channels compared to Na+ channels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Movement of ions through channels occurs as a result of gradients. If left alone, these gradients would eventually run down (i.e., reach equilibrium). How do active transporters (pumps) like the Na+/K+ ATPase maintain the gradients?

<p>They pump ions across the membrane maintaining both electrical and concentration gradients. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A neuronal process that carries electrical signals, usually graded potentials, toward the cell body.

<p>Dendrite (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Axon Hillock

The location along the axon where the action potential is generated.

Afferent Neuron

A neuron that carries signals from the periphery to the central nervous system.

Selectively Permeable Membrane

Permits some substances to cross more easily than others.

Phagocytosis

The process where a cell engulfs large particles or other cells.

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Function of a Synapse

Transmit signals between neurons.

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Receptor Role in Synapse

Initiates a response in the postsynaptic neuron after binding to neurotransmitters.

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Myelin Sheath

A protective fatty layer around axons that speeds up nerve impulse conduction.

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Falling Phase Cause

Is primarily caused by the opening of potassium channels.

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Falling Phase Potential

The membrane potential becomes more negative

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Potassium's Role

Exits the cell to repolarize membrane during falling phase.

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Study Notes

  • Information goes from the dendrites to the axon hillock for action potential generation.

  • Neuron parts and neuron types have functional parallels.

  • A selectively permeable plasma membrane allows some materials to pass freely but restricts others.

  • Neurons can be classified based on structural differences.

  • Phagocytosis is the process where a cell engulfs large particles or whole cells by wrapping them in its membrane.

  • Synapses primarily transmit signals between neurons.

  • Receptors bind neurotransmitters and initiate a response in the postsynaptic neuron.

  • Myelin is a fatty substance forming a protective layer around many neuron axons.

  • This structure increases nerve impulse conduction speed.

  • The falling phase of an action potential primarily happens due to inhibition of sodium channels and the opening of potassium channels.

  • During the falling phase, the membrane potential of a neuron becomes more negative.

  • Potassium exits the cell, helping to repolarize the membrane during the falling phase of an action potential.

  • Membrane equilibrium is influenced by the permeability of the membrane to specific ions.

  • The human body maintains a constant temperature as part of its homeostatic processes.

  • Homeostasis can be maintained in a specific range and can adapt to changes in the environment.

  • During propagation down the axon, an action potential's amplitude remains constant.

  • Events of the action potential in the correct order:

    • Membrane is depolarized to threshold
    • Voltage-gated Na+ channels open, and Na+ flows in
    • Membrane rapidly depolarizes
    • Voltage-gated Na+ channels close
    • Voltage-gated K+ channels open, membrane rapidly repolarizes
    • Voltage-gated K+ channels close, membrane potential returns to rest
  • Communication between cells is crucial for multicellular organisms because:

    • Cells are specialized
    • Cells must coordinate the timing and intensity of functions
    • Cells depend on signals from other parts of the body for a response
  • The resting membrane potential is a measure of charge difference across the unstimulated cell membrane, and exists because:

    • The membrane has channels that are conductors
    • The membrane contains lipid components, which act as insulators
  • Paracrine signaling involves chemical messengers working on other cells nearby a secretory cell.

  • Regarding receptors: all receptors are proteins.

  • Down-regulation and up-regulation of receptors exemplify tonic control in physiology.

  • A resting cell is likelier to lose K+ than gain Na+ due to having more K+ leak channels.
  • Active transporters like Na+/K+ ATPase maintain gradients by pumping ions across the membrane, therefore maintaining electrical and concentration gradients.
  • A dendrite is a neuronal process that carries electrical signals, typically graded potentials, towards the cell body.

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