Neuroscience: Electrical Synapses
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of neuroglia cells?

  • Synthesizing neurotransmitters
  • Support, nourish, and protect neurons (correct)
  • Maintaining homeostasis in the nervous system
  • Sensing, thinking, and muscle activity control
  • Neurons are not electrically excitable.

    False

    What is the role of Nissl bodies in neurons?

    protein synthesis

    Neurotransmitters are synthesized in the ____________________ and stored in the synaptic end bulb.

    <p>cell body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following cellular components with their functions:

    <p>Neurons = Sensing, thinking, and muscle activity control Neuroglia = Support, nourish, and protect neurons Nissl bodies = Essential for protein synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Neurotransmitters are not synthesized in the cell body.

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

    What is the primary function of action potentials in neurons?

    <p>Communication over long distances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Leakage channels in neurons are always open.

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

    What type of channels respond to chemical stimuli in neurons?

    <p>Ligand-gated channels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    White matter primarily consists of ____________________ axons.

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

    Match the following types of ion channels with their characteristics:

    <p>Leakage channels = Alternate between open and closed K+ channels = More numerous than Na+ channels Ligand-gated channels = Respond to chemical stimuli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the direction of ion movement across the membrane via chemical gradient?

    <p>From high to low</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Grey matter contains myelinated axons.

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

    What is the effect of ions flowing across the membrane?

    <p>Electrical current is created that can alter membrane potential (MP)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of gap junctions in electrical synapses?

    <p>To act as a tunnel between the cytosol of two cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chemical synapses have a faster communication speed compared to electrical synapses.

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

    What is the effect of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) on the postsynaptic neuron?

    <p>A depolarizing postsynaptic potential</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The synaptic delay at a chemical synapse is approximately _______ msec.

    <p>0.5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of postsynaptic potentials with their effects on the postsynaptic neuron:

    <p>EPSP = Depolarizing IPSP = Hyperpolarizing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of neurotransmitters in chemical synapses?

    <p>To bind to receptors in the postsynaptic neuron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A postsynaptic neuron can only receive one signal at a time.

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

    What is the advantage of electrical synapses in terms of neuronal communication?

    <p>Faster communication and synchronisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Electrical Synapses

    • Action potentials (AP) conduct between cells via gap junctions
    • Gap junctions contain tubular connexons, acting like tunnels between the cytosol of two cells
    • Ions flow through connexons, spreading AP
    • Advantages:
      • Faster communication
      • Synchronization of a group of neurons or muscle fibers

    Chemical Synapses

    • Plasma membranes are separated by synaptic cleft
    • Presynaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters (NT) into synaptic cleft
    • NT binds to receptors in postsynaptic neuron, resulting in postsynaptic potential
    • Electrical signal converted to chemical signal, leading to an electrical signal
    • Synaptic delay of 0.5 msec

    Synapses Between Neurons

    • Postsynaptic potentials:
      • Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP): depolarizing postsynaptic potential
      • Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSP): hyperpolarizing postsynaptic potential
    • A postsynaptic neuron can receive many signals at once

    White and Grey Matter

    • White matter consists of myelinated axons
    • Grey matter contains everything else, like dendrites, cell bodies, etc.

    Electrical Signals in Neurons

    • Excitable cells communicate via:
      • Action potentials: allow communication over short and long distances
      • Graded potentials: allow communication over short distances

    Ion Channels

    • Allow movement of specific ions across the membrane via chemical gradient
    • Move from high to low concentration
    • Cation move to anionic environment and vice versa
    • As ions flow, electrical current created that can alter membrane potential (MP)

    Ion Channels in Neurons

    • Leakage channels alternate between open and closed
    • K+ channels are more numerous than Na+ channels
    • Ligand-gated channels respond to chemical stimuli
    • Located along the dendrites, participating in producing graded potential

    Histology of the Nervous System

    • 2 cell types:
      • Neurons: sensing, thinking, memory, muscle activity control, gland secretion
      • Neuroglia: support, nourish, protect neurons, maintain homeostasis in interstitial fluid

    Neurons

    • Electrically excitable
    • Neurotransmitters synthesized in the cell body and stored in the synaptic end bulb
    • Essential for protein synthesis (nissl bodies)

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    Description

    Understand how electrical synapses work through gap junctions, allowing ions to flow and spread action potential between cells, enabling faster communication and synchronization.

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