Neuroscience Quiz: Brainstem and Neurons

Neurons are the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.

A neuron typically consists of four main regions: the cell body, dendrites, axon, and axon terminal.

The cell body, also known as the soma, is the central part of a neuron containing the nucleus and other essential organelles.

Dendrites are branched extensions of the cell body that receive signals from other neurons.

The axon is a long, slender projection that transmits signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

The brainstem is a vital part of the brain connecting the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord. It's responsible for crucial life functions and controls many reflexes.

The brainstem is composed of three main parts: the medulla, pons, and midbrain.

The medulla, the lowest part of the brainstem, controls essential bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It's like a control center for life's key systems.

The pons, situated between the medulla and midbrain, plays a role in coordinating movement, sleep, and sensory information processing. It's like a bridge connecting different brain functions.

The midbrain, the uppermost part of the brainstem, helps regulate movement, vision, and hearing. It's like a 'relay station' for sensory information.

A group of neurons packed together in a relatively small area within the spinal cord.

Spinal Cord Ventral Horn: The front portion of the spinal cord where motor neurons are located.

Neurons that transmit signals away from the central nervous system (CNS) to muscles or glands; also known as motor neurons.

A type of neuron that connects other neurons within the CNS and plays a crucial role in complex neural processing.

The bumps or ridges on the surface of the brain.

The grooves or valleys on the surface of the brain.

A part of the brainstem located specifically in the midbrain.

The part of the brainstem that functions as a relay station between higher brain regions, the cerebellum, and the spinal cord.

The nervous system that interacts with the external environment, receives diverse sensory information, and integrates it for purposeful actions.

The nervous system that controls involuntary functions of the body, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Refers to a signal or action that originates on one side of the body but affects the opposite side.

Sensory information from the external environment is used by the nervous system to help you perceive the world around you.

The autonomic nervous system controls the smooth muscles and organs, allowing them to operate without conscious control.

Skills that are highly predictable and consistent, even amidst varying conditions. They are usually learned and perfected through deliberate practice and experience.

Skills where the environment has a significant impact on performance. These skills are less predictable due to external factors. They require flexibility and adaptation.

Skills performed in a stable, predictable environment. The performer can focus on consistent execution.

Performance that is not solely based on natural talent. Hard work, persistence, and dedicated practice are essential factors.

Improving skills demands deliberate effort and focused practice over time. It's not something that happens overnight.

The difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a neuron.

A rapid change in membrane potential that travels down the axon, allowing for communication between neurons.

The process by which a neuron is stimulated to produce an action potential. It involves the influx of sodium ions into the cell.

The state of a neuron when it is not transmitting a signal. It is characterized by a negative charge inside the cell.

The process by which a neuron returns to its resting state after an action potential. It involves the outflow of potassium ions.

The integration of signals from multiple presynaptic neurons at the same time. This allows for complex processing of information.

The integration of signals from a single presynaptic neuron that occur in quick succession. This allows for rapid changes in neuronal activity.

The process by which a neuron releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. This is how information is transmitted between neurons.

The small space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron.

The process by which neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. This triggers a response in the postsynaptic neuron.

The central nervous system is responsible for processing information and coordinating bodily functions.

The peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting information between the CNS and the rest of the body.

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action, like fight or flight.