Neuroscience Quiz: Brain Functions and Mechanisms

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Questions and Answers

Which type of brain matter is primarily responsible for the brain's computation?

Myelin

White matter

Grey matter (correct)

Axons

What is the primary cause of the white color of white matter in the brain?

Presence of neurotransmitters

The density of neurons

Myelination of axons (correct)

High glucose levels

Which biological factor is critical for both short-term and long-term impact on the nervous system?

Neurotransmitters

Dendrites

Oxygen (correct)

Synapses

What does the cortex of the brain mainly contribute to?

Higher cognitive functions Signup and view all the answers

What concept explains that all brain areas can be functionally connected despite not being directly linked?

Functional connectivity Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

Action potential Signup and view all the answers

How do receptors affect the receiving neuron?

By changing the ion charge inside Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Prevent the reuptake of serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism represents the action of drugs that mimic neurotransmitters?

Agonism Signup and view all the answers

What happens to free neurotransmitters in the synapse after their function is complete?

They are reabsorbed or broken down Signup and view all the answers

What is synaptic plasticity primarily concerned with?

Changes in the strength of connections between synapses Signup and view all the answers

Which process specifically involves the formation and elimination of synapses?

Synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does the somatic nervous system serve?

Transmitting information from the senses to muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of drugs that act directly on ion channels?

Modify ion flow into neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is functional reorganization in the context of neuroplasticity?

The redistribution of brain functions to different areas Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron is specialized for receiving signals from other neurons?

Dendrite Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of neurotransmitter receptors?

They can only be activated by specific neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What does neurogenesis refer to?

The creation of new neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of dysfunction in proteins within the nervous system?

Altered neuronal function Signup and view all the answers

What defines the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

A voltage of approximately -70mV Signup and view all the answers

Which method allows for direct examination of brain tissue?

Post-mortem measures Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during depolarization of a neuronal membrane?

Positive ions flow into the cell Signup and view all the answers

What might cause neural cell death in the brain?

Over-excitation or disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?

Monitoring and controlling bodily functions without conscious thought Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of practice in relation to brain activity?

Reduction in brain activity and distribution of activity Signup and view all the answers

What initiates an action potential in a neuron?

Depolarization caused by positive ions entering the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which method alters brain function to study its effects?

Lesions and genetic changes Signup and view all the answers

How is the signal passed from one neuron to another when an action potential reaches the axon terminal?

By releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a neuron is responsible for conducting electrical impulses away from the cell body?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

What is misleading about the idea of specific brain areas being dedicated to certain functions?

Certain brain areas are exclusive to specific functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is highlighted as a more helpful way to understand psychological disorders?

Using different levels of explanation. Signup and view all the answers

What does neurobiology primarily study?

The molecular and cellular aspects of the nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following descriptions best defines systems neuroscience?

The study of neural networks and brain circuits. Signup and view all the answers

What role does psychopharmacology play in neuroscience?

It studies the neurobiology of substances that alter mental states. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the relationship between neuro disciplines?

They have significant overlap and similar naming conventions. Signup and view all the answers

What is studied in computational neuroscience?

The computational modeling of neural networks. Signup and view all the answers

What common feature do antipsychotics and street drugs share in psychopharmacology?

Both can alter mental states. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary composition of grey matter in the brain?

Neuronal cell bodies Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is known to impact the nervous system in the long-term?

Oxygen levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of white matter in the brain?

Includes myelinated axons Signup and view all the answers

Which structure of the brain is primarily responsible for folding to increase surface area?

Cortex Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of a 'network of networks' relate to brain function?

Brain areas can communicate through indirect signaling pathways Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the peripheral nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements?

Somatic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when an action potential propagates down an axon?

A temporary shift from negative to positive membrane potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

To maintain essential bodily functions without conscious control Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a neuron is primarily responsible for receiving neurotransmitters?

Dendrite Signup and view all the answers

What is synaptogenesis?

The creation and removal of synapses. Signup and view all the answers

What maintains the resting membrane potential in a neuron?

The balance of positive and negative ions across the membrane Signup and view all the answers

Which process is described as a limited ability in the human brain?

Neurogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the action potential's initiation?

It is initiated by the flow of sodium ions into the cell Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the sympathetic nervous system?

It is responsible for fight or flight responses Signup and view all the answers

What does functional reorganization in the brain involve?

Redistributing functions to different brain regions. Signup and view all the answers

What type of study would involve altering brain function to examine the outcome?

Interventional studies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes is a consequence of practice based on neuroplasticity?

Reduced brain activity with enhanced efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What does neuroplasticity encompass?

All changes related to learning and adaptation in the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the process of neurons dying as a natural mechanism?

Apoptosis Signup and view all the answers

What does synaptic plasticity specifically refer to?

Changes in the strength of connections between synapses. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the notion that certain brain areas are dedicated to specific functions considered misleading?

Different brain areas can perform multiple functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of systems neuroscience?

Neural networks and their functioning. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following includes substances that alter mental states?

Psychopharmacology. Signup and view all the answers

How should psychological disorders be categorized according to the content?

Using multiple, overlapping approaches. Signup and view all the answers

What area of study focuses on the nervous system at a molecular and cellular level?

Neurobiology. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to confusion among different 'neuro' disciplines?

Their names are often similar but meanings differ. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes an approach to understanding cognitive functions?

Cognition should be understood through various overlapping disciplines. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuroscience specifically studies the interactions of medications and drugs with the nervous system?

Neuropsychopharmacology. Signup and view all the answers

What role do receptors play in neuronal communication?

They activate ion channels allowing ions to enter the neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to neurotransmitters after they have performed their function?

They are reabsorbed by the axon terminal or broken down by enzymes. Signup and view all the answers

What does the action of SSRIs primarily achieve in the synaptic cleft?

Prevents reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for drugs that mimic neurotransmitters and activate specific receptors?

Agonists. Signup and view all the answers

How do drugs that act on ion channels influence neuronal activity?

They allow or block the flow of ions in and out of the neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that drugs can selectively affect certain brain circuits or systems?

They target specific neurotransmitters and receptors that are unique to those circuits. Signup and view all the answers

What impact can dysfunction in proteins have on the nervous system?

It can disrupt various biological processes critical for neural function. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way that drugs can modify neurotransmitter activity?

They can change the color of neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, encompassing more than just the brain.
The nervous system is fundamentally divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The nervous system's functions are greatly affected by various factors including proteins, cellular metabolic processes, large-scale bodily processes like oxygen and nutrient availability, and hormonal influences.
The generation and regeneration of cells is also important, as seen in neurodevelopment and stem cell therapy, as well as disease processes such as Alzheimer's Disease.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
The brain is responsible for complex functions like thought, memory, and action.
The spinal cord's function is primarily to transmit information between the brain and the rest of the body.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The PNS comprises the nerves extending beyond the CNS.
It is divided into two main branches: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

Somatic Nervous System

The somatic nervous system deals with voluntary actions.
It transmits information between the sensory organs and the muscles.
This system has two types of nerves : sensory nerves (sensation) and motor nerves (muscle contraction).
Spinal nerves transmit information via the spine
Cranial nerves transmit information via the brainstem

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions.
It maintains essential bodily functions like breathing, digestion, and heart rate.
This system comprises two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest).

Neuron

The basic unit of the nervous system is the neuron.
Neurons consist of cell bodies, axons, dendrites.
The cell body houses the nucleus and other organelles, responsible for the cell's metabolism.
The axon transmits electrical impulses, typically in a myelin-sheathed fibre.
Myelin sheaths speed up transmission
Dendrites receive signals from other neurons.
Signal transmission progresses from dendrites to cell body to axon.
Although all neurons have similar basic components, many diverse types exist, each specialized for specific functions.

Communication (action potential)

An electrical signal, the action potential, travels down the axon.
Action potential results from the movement of charged particles (ions) across the axon membrane through channels.
An unequal distribution of ions creates a resting membrane potential (-70mV).
Positive ions flow into the axon, causing depolarization (change in membrane potential), triggering further channels to open—propagating the signal.

Communication between neurons

Communication occurs at synapses.
Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft.
Receptors on the postsynaptic neuron receive the neurotransmitters.
These events result in a change in the postsynaptic neuron's membrane potential.
Neurotransmitters can be broken down by enzymes or reabsorbed by the presynaptic terminal.

Drug Action

Drugs can modify neuron function at various levels.
Some drugs inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters, leading to increased neurotransmitter availability.
Other drug types mimic or block neurotransmitters to affect their receptors.
Drugs can modify the function of ion channels in the membrane, changing the strength of the action potential.

Many Biological Factors

Any factor that affects the nervous system can influence human function.
Proteins, cell processes (e.g., neurodevelopment), and large-scale body factors (e.g., oxygen, glucose, hormones, and nutrients) all play crucial roles.
The generation and regeneration of cells is important (e.g., Alzheimer's and stem cell therapy).

Brain Lobes

The brain is divided into lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital. Each lobe plays a role in specific cognitive functions.

Neuroanatomy

Gray matter is composed of cell bodies and involved in computation, processing information.
White matter is comprised of myelinated axons, which transmit signals across different brain regions and resemble "wiring" of the brain.
The cortex consists of folded layers of gray matter, a characteristic that increases the surface area for sophisticated neural processing.
Subcortical structures are deeper brain regions that serve specialized functions, for example the hippocampus and amygdala.

White Matter Tracts

White matter tracts are pathways that connect different areas of the brain.
Activity spread throughout the brain, even if connections are not directly shared by the regions.
A modular, interconnected network describes the brain.

Network Change/ Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, the brain's potential to change in structure and function, underlies learning and adaptation.
Changes in the structures and functions of neural networks are key to learning new things and adapting behavior.

Types of Neuroplasticity

Synaptic plasticity: alterations in the strength of synaptic connections
Synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning: creating or eliminating synapses
Neurogenesis: generating new neurons
Neuronal migration: neurons traveling to different brain regions
Neural cell death (apoptosis): removing damaged or unnecessary neurons
Functional reorganization: reassigning cognitive functions to different brain areas.

Neuroscience Methods

Direct interventional studies include alterations of brain function (e.g., drugs, lesions, stimulation)
Indirect measurements include examining brain tissue, metabolites, and neuroimaging to understand neural function—including in vivo and post-mortem analyses.
Neuropsychological assessments use tests and tasks to study brain functions related to behaviour and cognitive ability.

Levels of Explanation

To understand a disorder, it's better to consider different levels (e.g. social, psychological, cognitive, and biological), not consider them mutually exclusive.

Disciplines

Neuroscience has multiple overlapping specializations with varying emphases
Examples include computational neuroscience, cognitive neuropsychiatry, and neuropsychopharmacology.

Neurobiology

Neurobiology focuses on the molecular and cellular interactions within the nervous system
Neurobiology studies neuronal signaling, cell physiology, and genetics. Includes natural and artifical interventions & pathologies.

Systems Neuroscience

Systems neuroscience examines neural networks as a whole. A range of scales, encompassing from interconnected neurons to larger brain circuits, are investigated in systems neuroscience.

Psychopharmacology

Psychopharmacology specifically investigates neuronal mechanisms by which substances influence the mental state by acting on neurochemicals.

Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology assesses the relationship between brain structure and function and human thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. It uses standardized tasks.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Cognitive neuroscience explores neural correlates of thoughts, emotions and behaviour using intervention techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation as well as neuroimaging.

Computational Neuroscience

Computational neuroscience builds computer models of brain function to test theories.

Additional Information from the Text

Different types of neurons, including multipolar, pyramidal, Purkinje, bipolar, and unipolar neurons, exist.
Communication between neurons involves action potentials and neurotransmitters.
The brain is a network of networks.
The different uses of specific neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain's systems allows for drugs to selectively affect certain circuits, behaviors, and perceptual systems.
The hippocampus and similar areas are key in cognition and memory but are not exclusively dedicated to these tasks.
Various disciplines exist within neuroscience, emphasizing elements of a given system, like biological, cellular to larger-scale brain processes.
Specific examples, such as how SSRIs work and how dopamine receptor occupancy differs across antipsychotics. There is also specific example information relating to brain damage (hemispatial neglect) through a case study of drawings.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the various functions of the brain, focusing on brain matter, neurotransmitters, and neural connections. This quiz covers key concepts in neuroscience, including synaptic plasticity, the role of the somatic nervous system, and the effects of certain drugs on brain activity. Challenge yourself with these thought-provoking questions!