Neuroscience Chapter Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary component of gray matter?

Cell bodies of nerve cells (correct)

Bundles of nerves

Myelinated axons

Cerebrospinal fluid

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

Protects the CNS

Control body movement

Supports the structure of nerve cells

Facilitates communication between brain hemispheres (correct)

Which statement accurately describes split-brain patients?

They recover full brain function post-surgery.

They can draw two different shapes simultaneously. (correct)

They have impaired memory functions.

They experience severe mental disorders.

What does fMRI specifically measure in the brain?

Blood flow changes related to brain activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary target of the immune response in Multiple Sclerosis?

Myelin around nerve axons Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of neurotransmitters (NTs) in the synaptic cleft?

To transmit chemical signals between neurons Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the process of excitation in neurons?

Increasing the likelihood of neuron activation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells provide electrical insulation around axons in the central nervous system?

Oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the synaptic cleft?

The site of neurotransmitter release Signup and view all the answers

What is hydrocephalus?

Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes synaptopathy?

It is a condition involving the malfunction of synapses. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does inhibition have on neurons?

It decreases the probability of neuron activation. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an action potential in a neuron?

An electrical signal traveling down the axon Signup and view all the answers

What role do neurotransmitters play at chemical synapses?

They diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to specific receptors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical consequence of an imbalance in excitation and inhibition in the brain?

Development of epilepsy. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of synapse is primarily responsible for increasing neuronal activity?

Glutamatergic synapse. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the sodium-potassium pump at the end of an action potential?

To restore ionic gradients Signup and view all the answers

What does an Electroencephalogram (EEG) measure?

Electrical activity from the scalp. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT typically used to treat epilepsy?

Enhanced synaptic firing. Signup and view all the answers

What type of channels allow ions to move across cell membranes in response to specific changes in membrane potential?

Voltage-dependent channels Signup and view all the answers

During what phase does depolarization occur in an action potential?

When sodium channels open Signup and view all the answers

What type of synapse is typically involved in decreasing activity in postsynaptic neurons?

GABAergic synapse. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of myelin in the nervous system?

To protect and insulate axons Signup and view all the answers

What action does Botox perform at the synapse?

Prevents neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows action potentials to travel quickly along myelinated axons?

Saltatory conduction Signup and view all the answers

Which potential effect of seizures may depend on the region of the brain where they occur?

Loss of consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells are responsible for myelination in the central nervous system?

Oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about neurons is false?

Neurons communicate exclusively through electrical signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the resting potential of a healthy neuron characterized by?

Negative charge inside compared to outside Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the left motor cortex is stimulated during cortical mapping experiments?

The patient moved her right hand Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about multiple sclerosis?

Affects both the brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What does a membrane potential of 0 mV indicate?

There is no potential difference between the inside and outside of the neuron Signup and view all the answers

To propagate action potentials rapidly down long axons, which neuron structure should be utilized?

Large axon diameter with myelination having regularly spaced gaps Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be most effective in restoring function in multiple sclerosis?

Make more Schwann cells Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about membrane potential is correct?

It can change depending on which channels are opened or closed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about chemical synaptic transmission is true?

It converts the electrical signal of the action potential into a chemical signal Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the space between a neuron and its postsynaptic target?

Synaptic cleft Signup and view all the answers

Which molecule is not necessary for an action potential?

ATP Signup and view all the answers

What effect would blocking glutamate receptors likely have?

Reduce excitation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding GABA is true?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a potential treatment for epilepsy?

Glutamate receptor activators Signup and view all the answers

What type of seizure is most likely experienced by an individual who is aware during the event?

Focal onset aware seizure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?

To insulate and speed up the conduction of nerve impulses Signup and view all the answers

How does the central nervous system (CNS) differ from the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes peripheral nerves Signup and view all the answers

What defines neural plasticity?

The brain's capacity to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions

Gray matter: Cell bodies of nerve cells
White matter: Bundles of myelinated axons
CNS: The central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord
PNS: The peripheral nervous system, composed of nerves (bundles of axons) and ganglia (clusters of cell bodies)
Corpus callosum: A thick band of axons connecting the right and left cerebral cortices.
Split-brain patients: Patients with severed corpus callosum
Ventricles: Chambers in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Cortical Homunculus: A topographical representation of the body in the brain's cortex, involving sensory and motor areas
fMRI: Functional magnetic resonance imaging, used to visualize brain activity linked to regional metabolism changes
Cortical Mapping: Efforts to correlate brain anatomy with psychological and cognitive functions
Multiple Sclerosis: An immune-mediated disorder where the body attacks the myelin sheath around nerve axons, leading to various symptoms
Myelin: Fatty coating around axons formed by glia cells (oligodendrocytes in CNS and Schwann cells in PNS).
Ion: A charged molecule, which can be positive or negative.
Permeability: A measure of how easily a molecule passes through a membrane.
Concentration Gradient: The difference in concentration of a substance across a region.
Membrane Potential: The difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a cell's membrane.

Key Concepts

Resting membrane potential: The voltage across the membrane when a neuron is not active. It is typically more negative inside than outside.
Voltage-dependent channels: Open when the membrane potential reaches a certain value
Channelopathies: Diseases arising from ion channel disruption
Absolute refractory period: A period following an action potential where a neuron cannot fire another one, due to sodium channel inactivation
Relative refractory period: A period following an action potential during which a neuron can fire again, but it requires a stronger stimulus than usual because the membrane potential more negative than its resting level.
Action Potential: A rapid change in membrane potential, used for neuronal communication.
Saltatory Conduction: The propagation of action potentials along myelinated axons, jumping between nodes of Ranvier
Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath where voltage-gated sodium channels are concentrated
Synaptopathy: Pathology of synapses
Synaptic cleft: The space between neurons at a synapse
Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers released at synapses to transmit signals between neurons.
Glial Cells: Supporting cells in the nervous system
Astrocytes: Star-shaped glial cells, crucial for support, repair, and nutrient transport in the central nervous system
Oligodendrocytes: Glial cells forming myelin sheaths in the central nervous system
Schwann Cells: Glial cells forming myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system

Further Topics

Central vs Peripheral Nervous Systems: The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord; the PNS branches out to the rest of the body
Spinal Nerves vs Cranial Nerves: Spinal nerves connect the spinal cord to the body, cranial nerves connect the brain to head
Neural Morphology: Structural characteristics of neurons (cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin, terminal branches)
Brain Lobes: Specific regions of the cerebral hemispheres (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital) with specialized functions
Cerebellum & Brainstem: Structures with crucial roles in motor coordination, sensory processing and life-sustaining functions
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): Fluid filling the brain and spinal cord, vital for cushioning and nutrient transport
Hydrocephalus: Accumulation of CSF in the brain potentially causing brain damage and issues
Brain Lesions/Aphasias: Damage to specific brain areas and resulting language or cognitive impairments
Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms linked to damage of the myelin sheath of nerves.
Epilepsy: Conditions involving disrupted brain electrical activity.
Neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate, GABA): Chemical messengers in signaling at synapses
Synaptic Transmission Steps to transmit signals.
Neurophysiological Techniques: Methods like EEG, MRI, fMRI, used to study brain function and structure

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in neuroscience with this quiz. Topics include gray matter, the corpus callosum, and brain imaging techniques. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of brain function and neurological conditions.