Neuroscience Quiz: Neurons and Communication

The difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a cell membrane, when the cell is at rest.

A specialized cell that transmits nerve impulses throughout the body.

The lipid bilayer that forms the outer boundary of a cell, controlling what enters and exits.

Charged molecules, such as Na+, K+, Cl-, and Ca++, that are essential for many cellular processes.

The fluid that surrounds cells and tissues, containing electrolytes like Na+, Cl-, and HCO3-.

The fluid inside a cell, containing electrolytes like K+, phosphate ions, and negatively charged proteins.

The ability of a cell membrane to allow some substances to pass through while blocking others.

The difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas, such as the inside and outside of a cell.

The movement of ions across a membrane due to the difference in their electrical charges.

A protein pump that actively transports 3 sodium ions (Na+) out of the cell and 2 potassium ions (K+) into the cell, requiring energy.

Channels in the cell membrane that allow potassium ions (K+) to leak out of the cell, contributing to the resting membrane potential.

The theoretical voltage difference across a membrane when the movement of ions due to concentration gradient and electrical gradient are balanced, resulting in no net movement of ions.

The negative charge inside a cell at rest, typically around -70 millivolts.

The transfer of information along a nerve cell, which triggers a change in the membrane potential.

The process by which a neuron receives, integrates, and transmits information.

A network of protein fibers, primarily microtubules, that extends throughout a neuron, providing structural support and facilitating the transport of molecules and organelles.

Thin extensions of a neuron that receive incoming signals from other neurons. They act like antennas, gathering information.

The main process of a neuron that sends signals to other cells. It is like a long cable transmitting information.

The junction between an axon terminal and another neuron or target cell. Information is transferred across this gap through chemical signals.

The process of transporting molecules and organelles along microtubules within a neuron. It is essential for the neuron's function.

A state where a cell maintains stable internal conditions despite being in a dynamic, constantly changing environment.

The difference in electrical potential between the inside and outside of a cell membrane.

A change in membrane potential that makes the inside of the cell less negative (more positive) relative to the resting membrane potential.

A change in membrane potential that returns the membrane potential back to its resting value after a depolarization event.

A change in membrane potential that makes the inside of the cell more negative (less positive) relative to the resting membrane potential.

The equation that calculates the equilibrium potential for a specific ion across a membrane. It considers the concentration gradient of the ion.

The equation that calculates the membrane potential of a cell, considering the contributions of multiple ions and their relative permeabilities across the membrane.

The central part of a neuron, containing the nucleus and other organelles.

This electrical potential difference is created by the difference in concentration of ions (charged particles) across the plasma membrane.

The movement of ions through the cell membrane, particularly potassium ions (K+), is a major contributor to the resting membrane potential.

The sodium-potassium pump (Na+-K+ ATPase) actively pumps sodium ions (Na+) out of the cell and potassium ions (K+) into the cell, maintaining the concentration gradient across the membrane.

The equilibrium potential for a specific ion is the electrical potential difference across the membrane that would be necessary to prevent the movement of that ion across the membrane from its current concentration gradient.

It can be calculated using the Nernst equation, which takes into account the concentration gradient and the valence of the ion.

A process that changes the resting membrane potential of a cell.

The sodium-potassium pump (Na+-K+ ATPase) plays a crucial role in restoring the ionic concentration gradients across the membrane after depolarization and repolarization, ensuring that the cell is prepared for another stimulus.

The cell's resting state is maintained by the balance between passive ion leak channels, particularly for potassium ions (K+), and the active pumping of sodium ions (Na+) out and potassium ions (K+) into the cell by the sodium-potassium pump.

The concentrations of major electrolytes in the interstitial fluid and intracellular fluid are different at rest, contributing to the resting membrane potential.

While there is this chemical and electrical disequilibrium, the two compartments are in osmotic equilibrium, meaning there is no net movement of water between them.

The resting membrane potential is crucial for cell function, as it allows cells to respond to stimuli, generate action potentials, and maintain homeostasis.

The negative charge inside the cell is primarily due to the presence of negatively charged proteins and other organic molecules.

Proteins that move organelles along microtubules, using ATP as an energy source.

The process of transporting organelles and vesicles along the microtubule network within a neuron.

Axonal transport that moves organelles and vesicles from the cell body towards the axon terminal.

Axonal transport that moves organelles and vesicles from the axon terminal back to the cell body.

The region within a neuron where action potentials are initiated and propagated along the axon.

The site where a neuron releases neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons or cells.

A type of infectious disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus that uses anterograde axonal transport.

The gradual decrease in the strength of an electrical signal as it travels along a neuron, especially in the dendrites and cell body.

The transmission of signals from a neuron to other neurons, usually occurring in the direction of the axon (forward movement).

A specialized protrusion on a dendrite that increases the surface area available for receiving signals from other neurons.

The process of converting an electrical signal from the presynaptic neuron into a chemical signal (neurotransmitter) that can travel across the synaptic cleft to the postsynaptic neuron.

Molecules released by the presynaptic neuron that bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering a change in the postsynaptic neuron's electrical state.

The ability of a dendrite to receive signals from multiple neurons, which allows for complex integration of information.

The process of combining multiple incoming signals from dendrites to generate a single output signal that travels down the axon.

The initial segment of the axon where the axon hillock connects to the axon proper.

The fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds up the conduction of electrical signals down the axon.

The process of strengthening synaptic connections, leading to enhanced communication between neurons.

The process of weakening synaptic connections, leading to reduced communication between neurons.

Changes in the structure and function of synapses that occur as a result of learning and experience.

The ability of a neuron to respond to an electrical signal and generate an action potential.