Neuroscience Quiz on Synaptic Communication

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What is the primary function of presynaptic neurons in synaptic communication?

Release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft (correct)

Initiate postsynaptic potential

Diffusion of neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft

Receive neurotransmitters from postsynaptic neurons

What occurs during the synaptic delay?

The binding of neurotransmitters to receptors happens

The time taken for neurotransmitter release and receptor binding (correct)

Neurotransmitters are synthesized

Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft

Which of the following glial cells is NOT found in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Astrocytes

Schwann cells (correct)

Microglia

Oligodendrocytes

What is the purpose of neurotransmitter binding to postsynaptic receptors?

To open ion channels and create graded potentials Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the synaptic cleft?

A fluid-filled space that separates presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of astrocytes in the CNS?

Regulate substances reaching the CNS from the blood Signup and view all the answers

What do ependymal cells help to circulate within the CNS?

CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuroglial cell is responsible for myelin sheaths in the CNS?

Oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Microglia are best described as what type of cell?

Phagocytic cells that respond to infection Signup and view all the answers

What role do astrocytes play in neuronal development?

They induce synapse formation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary location of ependymal cells?

Line the ventricles of the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell occupies the space of dying neurons and provides various functions in the CNS?

Astrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of oligodendrocytes in relation to axons?

They can myelinate multiple axons Signup and view all the answers

What primarily determines whether a neurotransmitter has an excitatory or inhibitory effect?

The receptor to which it binds Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of acetylcholine (ACh) in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

To stimulate skeletal muscle Signup and view all the answers

What type of receptors does acetylcholine bind to in order to cause an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)?

Nicotinic receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of neuromodulators?

They affect the strength of synaptic transmission Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the facilitation process in neuromodulation?

Increased response in postsynaptic neuron Signup and view all the answers

In neuronal pools, what is the purpose of neural integration?

To perform a common function by integrating neurons Signup and view all the answers

What effect results from inhibition in neuromodulation?

Weaker response in postsynaptic neuron Signup and view all the answers

How do drugs generally influence neurotransmitter action at synapses?

By mimicking the action of endogenous neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of converging circuits in neural integration?

They allow multiple inputs to converge on a single neuron. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neural circuit is characterized by the spreading of information from one neuron to several others?

Diverging Signup and view all the answers

What type of circuit utilizes feedback to create a cyclical pattern of activity?

Reverberating circuit Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes parallel after discharge circuits?

They allow inputs to be processed simultaneously over various paths. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of neuron structure are chemically gated channels typically found?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ions is primarily involved in establishing the resting membrane potential (RMP) of a neuron?

K+ Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

To insulate axons and increase the speed of impulse conduction. Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cell type replicates in response to meningitis infection?

Microglia Signup and view all the answers

What are the three general functions of the nervous system?

Collect, process, and initiate responses to information Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for processing and evaluating information?

Integrative neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of sensory neurons?

Carry impulses to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron is most commonly found in the central nervous system?

Multipolar neurons Signup and view all the answers

What structure encloses an entire peripheral nerve?

Epineurium Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the conductivity of neurons?

Ability to propagat electrical signals Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of multipolar neurons?

Many dendrites and a single axon Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of neuroglia in the nervous system?

Support and protect neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about mixed nerves is true?

They comprise both sensory and motor neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What are synapses primarily responsible for in the nervous system?

Facilitating information transfer between neurons Signup and view all the answers

What type of transport moves materials away from the neuron cell body?

Anterograde transport Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of neurons?

Extreme longevity Signup and view all the answers

What type of synapse involves the release of neurotransmitters across a synaptic cleft?

Chemical synapse Signup and view all the answers

What primarily creates the unequal distribution of sodium and potassium ions across the neuronal membrane?

Sodium/Potassium pump activity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ion channel opens in response to a change in membrane potential?

Voltage-gated channels Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when multiple excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) summate at the axon hillock?

Threshold is reached and an action potential is generated Signup and view all the answers

Which segment of a neuron contains voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels?

Conductive segment Signup and view all the answers

What is the resting membrane potential (RMP) of a typical neuron?

-70 mV Signup and view all the answers

What happens during depolarization of a neuron during an action potential?

Na+ enters the cell Signup and view all the answers

How do graded potentials differ from action potentials?

Graded potentials are temporary changes in membrane potential Signup and view all the answers

Which principle states that an action potential is propagated down the axon without any decrease in intensity?

All-or-none law Signup and view all the answers

What primarily drives the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Potassium ion efflux Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)?

It makes the postsynaptic neuron more negative, inhibiting action potential generation Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon allows for multiple excitatory or inhibitory inputs to affect the postsynaptic neuron's response?

Summation Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the repolarization phase of an action potential?

K+ channels open and Na+ exits Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences the electrical current generated in neurons?

Voltage and resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the likelihood of reaching the threshold for action potential generation?

Increasing frequency of EPSPs Signup and view all the answers