Neuroscience Quiz on TMS and Pharmacology

The tendency of ions to move from areas of high concentration to low concentration.

The attraction or repulsion of charged particles. Opposites attract, and like charges repel.

The fluid inside a neuron, containing potassium as the main positive ion and large, negatively charged organic anions (A-).

The fluid outside a neuron, containing high concentrations of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-).

A protein pump that uses energy to move sodium (Na+) ions out of the neuron and potassium (K+) ions into the neuron, maintaining a balance of ions across the cell membrane.

The electrical potential difference across the cell membrane of a neuron when it is at rest. Typically around -70 mV.

The point at which a neuron's membrane potential reaches a threshold, triggering an action potential.

The rapid change in membrane potential that occurs when a neuron is stimulated, caused by a sudden influx of sodium ions (Na+).

The process of releasing neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft.

A type of vesicle recycling where vesicles briefly release their contents, close up, and get refilled.

A type of vesicle recycling where vesicles fully merge with the membrane and new vesicles pinch off from the membrane.

A type of vesicle recycling where large parts of the membrane fold inward and break off, forming new vesicles.

A group of vesicles that are docked near the presynaptic membrane and are ready to release neurotransmitters quickly. They are used when the neuron is firing at a low rate.

A group of vesicles involved in moderate activity, where they are released when the neuron is firing more actively.

A large group of vesicles that act as a backup for high firing rates. They are used when the other pools are depleted.

Proteins in the postsynaptic membrane that neurotransmitters bind to, triggering changes in the postsynaptic neuron.

The process by which a neuron integrates multiple excitatory and inhibitory inputs to determine whether or not to fire an action potential.

A type of postsynaptic potential that makes the neuron more likely to fire an action potential. It is caused by the influx of positive ions, resulting in depolarization.

A type of postsynaptic potential that makes the neuron less likely to fire an action potential. It is caused by the influx of negative ions or the outflow of positive ions, resulting in hyperpolarization.

The principle that the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential depends on the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs. If excitatory inputs dominate, the neuron fires. If inhibitory inputs dominate, the neuron does not fire.

A situation where inhibitory neurons that normally prevent a behavior are inhibited themselves, leading to increased likelihood of that behavior. This is because the inhibition of inhibition effectively becomes excitation.

The process by which the effects of neurotransmitters are terminated at the synapse, preventing overstimulation of the postsynaptic neuron.

A mechanism of postsynaptic potential termination where neurotransmitters are taken back up into the presynaptic neuron. This allows for recycling and reuse of the neurotransmitters.

A mechanism of postsynaptic potential termination where enzymes in the synaptic cleft break down neurotransmitters into inactive metabolites.

A chemical produced outside the body that significantly alters the functions of cells when taken in low doses. It's not necessary for normal cell functioning.

The observable changes in an individual's physiological processes and behavior caused by a drug.

The specific locations within cells where drug molecules bind to affect biochemical processes.

The process of a drug moving through the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

The direct and immediate effect of a drug on a cell, like opening or closing an ion channel. It's the initial interaction between the drug and its target.

The indirect effects of a drug, resulting from the initial direct effect and subsequent chain reactions within the body.

The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the body to reduce by half. It's a measure of how quickly the drug is eliminated.

The amount of a drug that produces a specific effect in 50% of individuals. It's a measure of a drug's potency.

ACh (Acetylcholine) is a neurotransmitter that binds to receptors on muscles, initiating contraction.

Botox, a neurotoxin, blocks the release of ACh from the presynaptic neuron, inhibiting muscle contraction and causing paralysis.

Black widow spider venom causes a massive release of ACh into the synaptic cleft, leading to excessive muscle contraction and potential fatality.

Nicotinic receptors, a type of acetylcholine receptor, are located in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and skeletal muscles. They are ionotropic receptors, meaning they directly open ion channels upon binding ACh, leading to rapid muscle contraction.

Muscarinic receptors, another acetylcholine receptor type, are found in the central nervous system (CNS). They are metabotropic, functioning through a second messenger system, resulting in slower, longer-lasting effects.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks ACh receptors on skeletal muscles, leading to muscle weakness. Treatment includes neostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that increases ACh levels and improves muscle strength.

Monoamines are a class of neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are largely produced in the brainstem and have wide-ranging effects on brain function.

Dopamine receptors are classified into subtypes (D1-D5). D1 and D5 stimulate the production of cyclic AMP, while D2, D3, and D4 inhibit its production.

The process by which myosin cross-bridges attach, bend, detach, and reattach to actin, pulling the filaments and shortening the muscle fiber, causing contraction.

The ability of muscles to only pull, never push, meaning that they can only shorten the distance between the bones they connect to.

A group of muscle fibers that receive signals from the same motor neuron, working together to produce force.

The response of a muscle fiber to a single nerve impulse, characterized by a rapid contraction and relaxation.

The summation of multiple muscle twitches that occur close together in time, resulting in a stronger and more sustained contraction.

The maximum force that a muscle can generate due to sustained, high-frequency stimulation, resulting in a smooth, continuous contraction.

Movement that involves a change in the length of the muscle, such as lifting a mug.

Movement that involves no change in the length of the muscle, despite the muscle developing tension, such as trying to lift a heavy object.