Neuroscience Quiz on Synaptic Communication

Collects information using sensory receptors that detect stimuli.

Processes and evaluates information, leading to sensations, memories, thoughts, and decisions using integrative neurons.

Initiates responses to the processed information, using motor neurons to signal effectors that carry out the responses.

Central Nervous System, containing the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System, containing nerves that connect the CNS to other parts of the body.

Transmits sensory information from receptors to the CNS.

Transmits impulses from the CNS to effector organs.

Controls voluntary movements, connecting the CNS to skeletal muscles.

Controls involuntary actions, connecting the CNS to glands and smooth muscles.

Basic unit of the nervous system, receiving stimuli and transmitting action potentials.

Support and protect neurons within the nervous system.

Connective tissue wrapping enclosing the entire nerve.

Connective tissue wrapping around a fascicle (bundle) of nerve fibers.

Connective tissue covering an individual axon.

A junction where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals between neurons or neurons and effectors.

A junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters facilitate communication.

The small gap between two neurons in a chemical synapse.

Non-excitable supportive cells for neurons in the CNS and PNS.

A type of neuroglia in the CNS that cover neurons and blood vessels.

The time required for events at a chemical synapse (neurotransmitter release, diffusion, binding, etc.).

Astrocytes regulate substance passage from blood to the CNS, aid in substance metabolism, support neurons, and assist in neuron development.

Ependymal cells line the brain's ventricles and spinal cord's central canal, producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Oligodendrocytes create myelin sheaths in the CNS, isolating and speeding up nerve impulse transmission.

Microglia are immune cells within the CNS, removing microorganisms and cellular debris.

The blood-brain barrier regulates what substances can reach the CNS from the bloodstream.

Part of the blood-brain barrier ; it is a tiny blood vessel.

Myelin sheath insulates axons, speeding up nerve impulse transmission.

Neuroglial cells support and protect neurons within the central nervous system.

The major extracellular positive ions, maintained by the sodium/potassium pump and ion channels in the cell membrane.

Membrane proteins that control the membrane's selective permeability to ions.

Membrane ion channels that are always open, contributing to resting membrane potential.

Ion channels that open in response to a neurotransmitter binding.

Ion channels that open in response to changes in membrane potential.

Ion channels that open in response to a specific sensory stimulus, like light, pressure, or temperature.

The electrical potential difference across the neuron membrane when it's not transmitting a signal, typically around -70 mV.

Small, short-lived changes in membrane potential that vary in magnitude and are localized.

A graded potential that makes the neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

A graded potential that makes the neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

The process of adding up multiple postsynaptic potentials to influence the neuron's firing.

A large, rapid change in membrane potential that propagates down the axon.

The process of the membrane potential becoming more positive during an action potential.

The process of the membrane potential returning to a negative value after depolarization.

Current = Voltage/Resistance (I = V/R). An important equation describing the relationship between electrical current, voltage and resistance.

Multiple inputs coming together to affect a single neuron or neuronal pool.

A single neuron's signal spreading to multiple neurons or neuronal pools.

A neural circuit that uses feedback to produce repeated cyclical activity.

Signals transmitted simultaneously through multiple paths.

Strengthening of synaptic connections within neuronal pools.

The patterns of communication between neurons.

Receptors detect stimuli and initiate nerve impulses.

Organs that respond to nerve impulses (e.g., muscles, glands).

Neurotransmitters can be excitatory or inhibitory, but the effect depends on the receptor.

Neurotransmitters can act directly on ion channels or indirectly through second messenger systems.

A neurotransmitter, often stimulating skeletal muscle and increasing arousal.

Changes the strength of synaptic transmission without directly causing EPSPs or IPSPs.

Modulation that strengthens the response in a postsynaptic neuron.

Drugs can modulate neurotransmitter actions at synapses.

Groups of neurons working together to perform a function.

Neuronal pools integrate incoming information and communicate with other pools to generate output.