42 Questions
What is temporal summation in the context of neuron communication?
When a neuron sends repeated EPSPs over time
What is spatial summation in the context of neuron communication?
When multiple neurons send EPSPs to exceed the threshold
What is the role of IPSPs in neuron communication?
Decrease the likelihood of generating an action potential
How do neurons communicate through chemical synapses?
Neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron
What triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft at chemical synapses?
Calcium influx
What is the main function of gap junctions in neuron communication?
Allow ions to move directly between glial cells
What type of ion do GABA channels open?
Chloride
What is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain?
GABA
How many subunits do G proteins have?
Three
What triggers metabolic processes, genetic transcription, and new protein creation?
G protein activation
What type of receptors are G protein-coupled with seven membrane-spanning domains?
Metabotropic receptors
What is the role of glutamate in neuron communication?
Promoting dendrite growth
Which type of receptors are composed of subunits with orthosteric sites for neurotransmitter binding?
Ionotropic receptors
What is the main mechanism for clearing unbound neurotransmitters from the synapse?
Reuptake
Which type of receptors are connected to G proteins and can also be G protein-coupled ion channels?
Metabotropic receptors
What is responsible for synthesizing neurotransmitters in the presynaptic terminal and transporting them to the synaptic cleft?
Presynaptic terminal proteins
Which type of receptors bind to G proteins and cause downstream effects by activating second messenger systems?
Metabotropic receptors
What is the main mechanism for the confirmation change in receptors upon neurotransmitter binding?
Ion channel opening/closing
What is the resting membrane potential of neurons?
-70 millivolts
What initiates action potentials in neurons?
Threshold potential at the axon hillock
What is the function of myelin sheaths in neurons?
Facilitate saltatory conduction
What is the role of refractory period in neuron communication?
Prevent action potential initiation
Which type of neurons make up white matter in the brain?
Myelinated neurons
What is the primary function of neural integration?
Determine action potential occurrence through postsynaptic potentials
Which of the following is true about EPSP and IPSP?
EPSP increases the likelihood of generating an action potential, while IPSP reduces the likelihood of generating an action potential
What occurs when voltage-gated calcium channels open upon an action potential?
Vesicles containing neurotransmitters dock and release neurotransmitters
What is the main function of oligodendrocytes in neural structure?
Support and maintain neural structure
What is the role of transporter reuptake proteins in synaptic communication?
Prevent too much neurotransmitter in the synapse
What is the main difference between temporal summation and spatial summation?
Temporal summation involves several impulses from one neuron over time, while spatial summation involves multiple inputs from several neurons
What is the primary way that neurons communicate with each other?
Chemical synapses
What is the main way that neurons communicate with each other?
Chemical synapses
What occurs when voltage-gated calcium channels open upon action potential?
Calcium influx
What is the role of EPSP in generating an action potential?
It increases the likelihood of generating an action potential
What is the function of transporter reuptake proteins in synaptic communication?
Clearing unbound neurotransmitters from the synapse
What is the composition of ionotropic receptors?
Ligand-gated ion channels
What can mutations in genes encoding proteins in the postsynaptic density lead to?
Disorders
What is the resting membrane potential maintained by?
Flow of potassium ions through open channels
What initiates action potentials at the axon hillock?
Threshold potential being reached
What contributes to the restoration of the resting membrane potential?
Sodium-potassium pumps
What ensures that action potentials only proceed in one direction?
Refractory period
What facilitates saltatory conduction by insulating and protecting neurons?
Myelin sheaths
What type of neurons does white matter consist of?
Myelinated neurons
Study Notes
Neurophysiology, Neurochemistry, and Neural Integration
- Resting membrane potential is -70 millivolts and is maintained by the flow of potassium ions through open channels
- Neurons communicate through postsynaptic potentials, which can be either excitatory (EPSP) or inhibitory (IPSP)
- Action potentials begin at the axon hillock when the threshold potential is reached, causing a switch in membrane potential polarity
- Sodium-potassium pumps actively transport ions, requiring ATP, and contribute to the restoration of the resting membrane potential
- The refractory period ensures that action potentials only proceed in one direction and lasts about 1 millisecond (absolute) and 2-4 milliseconds (relative)
- Myelin sheaths, made up of oligodendrocytes, facilitate saltatory conduction by insulating and protecting neurons and allowing for faster propagation of action potentials
- White matter consists of myelinated neurons, while grey matter consists of non-myelinated neurons with many connections
- Neural integration involves the combination of excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials to determine whether an action potential will occur
- Neurochemistry/Neuropharmacology studies how neurons communicate and bring changes in charge through chemical signals and receptors
- Neural activity can be visualized through brain scans, PET imaging, and calcium imaging, but changing the activity is necessary for visualization
- Gap junctions and chemical synapses are essential in the synapse for transmitting signals between neurons
- The study of neural activity is challenging due to its location inside the head and the complexity of the processes involved
Test your knowledge of neurotransmitter systems, receptors, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and neural integration with this quiz. Explore the mechanisms of neurotransmitter release, synaptic transmission, membrane potential, action potentials, myelination, neural integration, and the challenges of studying neural activity.
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