Neurophysiology Test Questions: Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the role of neurophysiology?

Studying the interaction between neurons and behavior

Investigating the electrical and chemical communication of neurons (correct)

Examining the structure and function of the brain

Analyzing the impact of neurotransmitters on neural receptors

What triggers the action potential in a neuron?

Electrochemical signals (correct)

Resting membrane potential

Synaptic potentials

Neurotransmitter release

What is the function of receptors in neuronal communication?

To encode and affect signals (correct)

To generate action potentials

To release neurotransmitters

To restore the resting membrane potential

What is the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

-70mV Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the myelin sheath in neuronal communication?

To insulate the axon and allow for faster propagation of the action potential Signup and view all the answers

What are the nodes of Ranvier?

Gaps in the myelin sheath where the action potential is regenerated Signup and view all the answers

What causes multiple sclerosis?

Degradation of the myelin sheath by the immune system Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells support and maintain neural structure?

Oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of myelin in neurons?

It protects and speeds up electrical signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the main way that neurons communicate with each other?

Chemical synapses Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

Opening of calcium channels Signup and view all the answers

What happens to unbound neurotransmitters in the synapse?

They are reuptaken by transporter proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of EPSP in neuronal communication?

It increases the likelihood of generating an action potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the integration of multiple inputs that are coming from presynaptic neurons called?

Neural integration Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of oligodendrocytes in the nervous system?

They support and maintain neural structure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neurophysiology and Neuronal Communication

Neurophysiology is the study of the functions and processes of neurons, including the generation and transmission of electrical signals.

Action Potential

The action potential in a neuron is triggered by a rapid change in the electrical properties of the cell membrane, usually caused by an excitatory neurotransmitter.

Receptors and Neuronal Communication

Receptors play a crucial role in neuronal communication by receiving and responding to neurotransmitters released by other neurons.
They are specific proteins on the surface of neurons that bind to neurotransmitters, allowing the signal to be transmitted.

Resting Membrane Potential

The resting membrane potential of a neuron is approximately -70 millivolts (mV), which is a stable, negatively charged state.

Myelin Sheath

The myelin sheath is a fatty, insulating layer that surrounds the axon of a neuron, allowing electrical signals to propagate faster and more efficiently.
It is composed of lipid-rich cells called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Nodes of Ranvier

The nodes of Ranvier are small gaps in the myelin sheath, where the axon is exposed and allows the electrical signal to propagate.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease caused by the deterioration of the myelin sheath, leading to disruptions in neuronal communication.

Supporting Cells

Glial cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, support and maintain neural structure and function.

Myelin Function

Myelin serves to insulate and facilitate the transmission of electrical signals along the axon of a neuron.

Neuronal Communication

The main way that neurons communicate with each other is through the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse, which then bind to receptors on adjacent neurons.

Neurotransmitter Release

The release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft is triggered by an action potential reaching the axon terminal.

Unbound Neurotransmitters

Unbound neurotransmitters in the synapse are either broken down by enzymes or taken back up by the neuron through a process called reuptake.

EPSP

The function of EPSP (excitatory postsynaptic potential) is to increase the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.

Integration of Multiple Inputs

The integration of multiple inputs from presynaptic neurons is called synaptic integration.

Oligodendrocytes

Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell that produces and maintains the myelin sheath in the CNS, allowing for efficient transmission of electrical signals.

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Description

Test your knowledge of neurophysiology and neurochemistry with this quiz! Covering topics such as neuron basics, action potentials, electrochemical signals, and the communication between neurons, this quiz will help you understand the fundamentals of how the brain works.