Neuroscience Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Conserving energy and promoting digestion

Regulating blood pressure and heart rate during rest

Providing motor control of the heart and glands

Enabling the body to respond to physiological stress (correct)

Which cranial nerve is associated with sensory functions?

Trochlear nerve

Olfactory nerve (correct)

Hypoglossal nerve

Vagus nerve

Which of the following pairs correctly categorize the autonomic nervous system?

Cranial and sacral regions for sympathetic, thoracic and lumbar regions for parasympathetic

Parasympathetic system regulates the internal environment without opposing effects

Both sympathetic and parasympathetic emerge from thoracic regions

Thoracic and lumbar regions for sympathetic, cranial and sacral regions for parasympathetic (correct)

Which spinal nerves are responsible for innervating the legs?

Lumbar nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the opposing effects produced by the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?

Dual innervation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of the nervous system?

To enable rapid responses to stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Which two major subdivisions make up the nervous system?

The Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems?

They are interconnected and interactive. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of EPSPs on the post-synaptic membrane?

They depolarize the membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What type of responses does the nervous system enable according to its function?

Both simple and complex responses. Signup and view all the answers

Why is studying neuroscience important?

It contributes to understanding and treating diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes IPSPs in the post-synaptic membrane?

Increased Cl- or K+ permeability. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes synaptic integration?

It is the summation of both EPSPs and IPSPs affecting a post-synaptic cell. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is included in the Peripheral Nervous System?

Sensory system. Signup and view all the answers

What area is not a focus of the upcoming lectures outlined?

Neurotransmitters in the digestive system. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a substance to be considered a neurotransmitter?

It must create a direct structural change in the postsynaptic cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of neuroscience research funding?

There are dedicated panels for neuroscience and mental health research. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a convergent pathway formed by motor neurons?

It allows multiple inputs to converge onto a single output. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of the Enteric nervous system?

Involvement in peristalsis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glial cell function includes acting as neural stem cells?

Astrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which function is associated with astrocytes in the central nervous system?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of afferent (sensory) neurons?

Transmitting information to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Enteric nervous system play in conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Controls gut muscle contraction Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron primarily receives inputs from other neurons?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron accounts for 99% of all neurons in the CNS?

Interneurons Signup and view all the answers

What does white matter primarily consist of?

Myelinated axons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about motoneurons is true?

They transmit information from the CNS to muscles or glands Signup and view all the answers

How many more glial cells compared to neurons are typically found in the vertebrate CNS?

10 - 50 times more Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the axon in a neuron?

Transmit information away from the cell body Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glial cell is primarily responsible for forming myelin sheaths in the CNS?

Oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

They release noradrenaline at the neuron-effector organ synapse. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is released by pre-ganglionic parasympathetic neurons?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Constricts bronchial smooth muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the liver in response to sympathetic activation?

Increased gluconeogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Where do pre-ganglionic sympathetic neurons originate from?

The thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons are post-ganglionic parasympathetic neurons?

Cholinergic Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the parasympathetic nervous system have on the bladder?

It causes relaxation of the bladder. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What defines the thoracolumbar system?

It is the area where pre-ganglionic sympathetic neurons originate. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure covers the neuromuscular junction?

Schwann cells Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Organisation of the Nervous System & Neurotransmission

The nervous system is a complex system responsible for coordinating and integrating multiple physiological functions.
It works alongside the endocrine system (hormonal communication).
It enables rapid responses to internal and external stimuli, including adaptive responses such as reflexes and complex cognitive processes.

Functions of the Nervous System

Coordinates and integrates physiological systems.
Acts in parallel with the endocrine system.
Enables rapid responses to external stimuli (e.g., light, heat, blood pressure, osmotic pressure).
Responses can be simple (e.g., reflexes) or complex (e.g., learning, memory, behavioral changes).

Why Study Neuroscience?

To understand diseases: neurological disorders, neurodegenerative, demyelinating, mood disorders and viral/bacterial infections.
To understand vital functions: control of vital physiological functions like appetite, blood pressure, sleep.

Study of Neuroscience

Significant funding for neuroscience research (millions by drug companies).
Large community of neuroscientists.
Annual meetings attract a large number of participants (35,000+).
Numerous scientific journals dedicated to neuroscience (over 40).

Outline of Lectures

Lecture 1: Nervous system structure and organisation, cell types, and synaptic neurotransmission.
Lecture 2: Modulation of synaptic function, focusing on the autonomic nervous system.
Lecture 3: Anatomical and physiological subdivisions of the brain, and its major neurotransmitters.

Organization of the Nervous System

Two major divisions: Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
CNS includes the brain and spinal cord.
PNS includes the sensory system, autonomic nervous system, and somatic nervous system.
These divisions are interconnected.

Cell Types in the CNS

Capillary (-Endothelial cells& Pericytes)
Astrocytes
Oligodendrocytes
Neuron
Myelinated axons
Myelin (cut)
Microglia
Ependymal cells
Unmyelinated axon

Anatomy of a Neuron

Cell Body (Soma): Contains the nucleus, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and mitochondria.
Dendrites: Numerous branching extensions that receive input from other neurons.
Axon: A single, long extension that transmits signals to other neurons.
Axon Hillock: Area where the axon joins the cell body.
Myelin Sheath: Insulating layer (may be present).
Node of Ranvier: Gaps in myelin sheath.
Axon Terminals: Branching end of the axon where neurotransmitters are released.

Neuronal Subtypes

Afferent (Sensory): Transmit information to the CNS; have sensory receptors at their peripheral end; one type of neuron.
Efferent (Motor): Transmit information from the CNS to effector organs (muscle, glands, or other neurons); a different type of neuron.
Interneurons: Transmit information between neurons; found exclusively inside the CNS. (Majority).

The Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and Spinal Cord: Contains input regions for sensory nerves, output regions for motor nerves, and numerous interneurons.
Grey Matter: Contains cell bodies, dendrites, synapses, and interneurons.
White Matter: Contains axons with myelin sheaths, and ascending/descending fiber tracts.

Glial Cells

Many glial cells in the CNS than neurons.
Functions include: metabolic support, buffer extracellular ions (Na+, K+), removing neurotransmitters, scavenging function, blood-brain barrier control, neuronal development guidance.

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Parts of PNS: Sensory, Autonomic, and Somatic.
Autonomic further divided into Sympathetic and Parasympathetic.
Further divided into Enteric Nervous System.

The Enteric Nervous System

Meshwork of neurons that innervate gut muscles and mucosa.
Facilitates peristalsis and interactions with gut bacteria.

Cranial Nerves

12 pairs of cranial nerves with mixed sensory and motor functions.
Nerves named using an anatomical/alphabetical mnemonic.

Spinal Nerves

31 pairs of spinal nerves distributed by regions (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral).

The Autonomic Nervous System

Controls automatic functions of the body, e.g., heart, glands, smooth muscles.
Composed of sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions that usually have opposing effects.
Sympathetic: fight-or-flight response.
Parasympathetic: rest-and-digest response.

Neurotransmitters in the PNS

Various neurotransmitters are used in the PNS for communication between neurons and with other organs.
Acetylcholine (ACh) is a crucial neurotransmitter.
Norepinephrine/Noradrenaline (NE) and epinephrine/adrenaline (Epi) are involved in the sympathetic nervous system.

Synapse and Synaptic Transmission

Describes specialized junctions where neurons communicate.
Has a terminal button, synaptic cleft, and receiving neuron.
Neurotransmitters facilitate the communication process across the synapse.
Signals transferred from one neuron (pre-synaptic neuron) to another (post-synaptic neuron).

Synaptic Organization

Details of structure/components of a typical synapse.
Neurons can have both one-to-one (1:1) and one-to-many (1:many) connections.

3-Dimensional Structure of Synaptic Bouton in the CNS

Synaptic boutons consist of a complex 3-dimensional arrangement of proteins.

Dendritic Arborization

Complex branching structures of dendrites critical for neural function.
Important for receiving signals from multiple neurons through many synaptic inputs.
Important for neural circuitry and computations.
A large number of synapses exist in the CNS.

Neurons In Vitro

Ability of cultured neurons to make synapses in vitro.

The Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ)

Specialized type of synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber.
Has a motor end-plate.
Characterized by specific points of contact and unique structure compared to other synapses.
Has specific neurotransmitters involved; for example acetylcholine (ACh).

Synaptic transmission at the NMJ

Excitation signal transmission through neurotransmitters and receptor activation in muscle fibers.

The Myotatic Reflex

Reflex actions (e.g., knee-jerk) showing sensory and motor neurons acting together forming divergent/convergent pathways

EPSPs (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials)

EPSPs depolarize the post-synaptic membrane.
Commonly caused by increased Na+ or Ca2+ permeability.

IPSPs (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials)

Hyperpolarize the post-synaptic membrane.
Usually due to increased Cl- or K+ permeability.

Synaptic Integration

EPSPs and IPSPs interact and determine final post-synaptic response.
Includes the summation of the EPSPs and IPSP effects to ultimately determine response.

Neurotransmitters - Definition

Neurons release chemicals called neurotransmitters for communication.
For a substance to qualify as a neurotransmitter, it must meet these four criteria: synthesis in neuron, present in presynaptic terminal, released in effect (amount) amounts, applied exogenously it mimics original effect.

Common Neurotransmitters

Lists several common neurotransmitters.

Reading Material

Lists recommended texts for further reading and resources (including websites).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of neuroscience, including the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, the subdivisions of the nervous system, and synaptic mechanisms. This quiz covers major topics essential for understanding how the nervous system operates and its significance in human biology.