Neuroscience: Synapses and Neurotransmitters
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following correctly describes matter?

  • Matter is any substance that occupies space and has mass. (correct)
  • Matter does not have any measurable physical properties.
  • Matter can only be composed of organic substances.
  • Matter is a substance that exists only as a solid.

What is a pure substance?

  • A compound that contains multiple types of atoms.
  • A substance that cannot be broken down by chemical means. (correct)
  • A mixture of two or more elements.
  • Any substance that has a boiling point.

Which of the following statements about compounds is true?

  • Compounds can exist independently of their constituent elements.
  • Compounds consist of only one element.
  • Compounds contain two or more elements in definite proportions. (correct)
  • Compounds are always visible to the human eye.

Which particle in an atom has a positive charge?

<p>Proton (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do isotopes of an element differ from each other?

<p>They have different atomic masses due to varying numbers of neutrons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the atomic number of an element?

<p>The number of protons in the nucleus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about electrons is accurate?

<p>Electrons carry a negative charge and are much smaller than protons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Bohr model illustrate?

<p>The behavior of electrons within fixed orbitals around the nucleus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason atoms interact to form molecules?

<p>To achieve a lower total energy state (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the number of electrons in the second shell of an atom?

<p>Holds a maximum of 8 electrons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of charge is associated with cations?

<p>They possess a positive charge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many additional electrons does oxygen need to fill its outer shell?

<p>2 additional electrons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of elements would typically have one fewer electron than needed to fill their valence shell?

<p>Group 17 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

<p>They receive information and send signals to the cell body. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glial cell primarily produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

<p>Ependymal cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

<p>Conduction of nerve impulses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical resting membrane potential of a neuron?

<p>-70 mV (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?

<p>A long-lasting increase in the strength of synapses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in muscle contraction?

<p>Acetylcholine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes long term potentiation?

<p>An increase in synaptic strength (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes glial cells from neurons in the nervous system?

<p>Glial cells do not produce electrical impulses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ependymal cells in the central nervous system?

<p>Production of cerebral spinal fluid (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold potential that a neuron must reach for an action potential to occur?

<p>-55 mV (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the presynaptic neuron in synaptic transmission?

<p>To synthesize and release neurotransmitters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of synaptic potential is characterized by a decrease in the likelihood of a postsynaptic neuron firing?

<p>Inhibitory post synaptic potential (IPSP) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is glioblastoma associated with?

<p>Astrocytes in the brain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ligand-gated receptors on the postsynaptic neuron?

<p>Bind neurotransmitters (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system?

<p>Neuron (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cells in the peripheral nervous system are similar in function to oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

<p>Schwann cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cellular respiration?

<p>To convert food into ATP (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of glucagon in glucose homeostasis?

<p>To initiate muscle breakdown (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of electrical synapses?

<p>Exhibit faster conduction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of long-term potentiation in synaptic plasticity?

<p>Increase in AMPA receptor numbers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do chemical synapses differ from electrical synapses?

<p>They require neurotransmitters (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does ATP play in active transport?

<p>Provides energy for transport proteins (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of biological organization is represented by a group of organisms of the same species in a certain area?

<p>Population (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is synaptic plasticity and why is it important for learning?

<p>It allows for changes in synaptic strength based on activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the valence shell in an atom?

<p>It holds electrons that are involved in bonding. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Bohr model is true?

<p>It shows electrons in fixed orbits that correspond to specific energy levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which electron configuration corresponds to a stable noble gas?

<p>1s2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy an s orbital?

<p>2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of potential energy, which statement is correct during an electron transition?

<p>Electrons release energy when moving to a lower shell. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the octet rule?

<p>Atoms bond to achieve a total of 8 electrons in their outer shell. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about electrons in the valence shell?

<p>They are involved in chemical bonding. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements has an atomic number of 3?

<p>Lithium (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.

Neuron

The basic functional unit of the nervous system that conducts and integrates information.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmits signals across synapses.

Synaptic cleft

The small gap between neurons where neurotransmitters travel.

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Long-term potentiation (LTP)

A lasting change in synaptic strength associated with learning and memory.

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Glial cells

Non-neuronal cells that support and protect neurons.

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Astrocytes

Glial cells that regulate the chemical environment around neurons and maintain brain health.

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Glioblastoma

Aggressive brain tumor arising from astrocytes.

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Action Potential

A rapid change in membrane potential, caused by the movement of ions across the neuron membrane.

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Resting Potential

The stable membrane potential of a neuron when it is not transmitting signals, typically around -70mV.

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Threshold Potential

The minimum membrane potential that must be reached to trigger an action potential, typically around -55mV.

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Chemical Synapse

A junction between two nerve cells, where a chemical signal (neurotransmitter) transmits the signal.

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Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses.

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EPSP/IPSP

Excitatory/Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials: graded potentials that either increase or decrease the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.

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Glia cells

Supporting cells of the nervous system that are not neurons.

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Scientific Method

A systematic approach to understanding the natural world, involving observation, hypothesis, prediction, experimentation, and conclusion.

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Chemical synapse operation

Signal transmission between neurons at synapses, using neurotransmitters

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ESPS

Excitatory postsynaptic potential; increases the likelihood of a neuron firing

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ISPS

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential; decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing

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Synaptic plasticity

The ability of synapses to change in strength, affecting signal transmission.

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Long-term potentiation (LTP)

A strengthening of neuronal connections in the hippocampus, involved in memory formation.

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ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, molecule storing chemical energy for cellular work

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Cellular respiration

Processes extracting energy-rich molecules to create ATP.

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Facilitated diffusion

Process carrying molecules across a membrane with the aid of protein channels

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Pure Substance

A substance that cannot be broken down into other substances by ordinary chemical means.

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Compound

A substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more different elements in a fixed ratio.

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Molecule

A group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

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Atom

The smallest unit of an element, maintaining its properties.

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Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

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Atomic Mass

The total mass of protons and neutrons in an atom’s nucleus.

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Isotope

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

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Matter

Anything that occupies space and has mass.

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Electron Shell

An energy level surrounding the atom's nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found.

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Valence Electrons

The electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, influencing chemical bonding.

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Octet Rule

Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full outermost electron shell (8 electrons).

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Electron Configuration

The arrangement of electrons in atomic orbitals, written as a code.

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Atomic Number

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.

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Bohr Model

A model of the atom picturing electrons traveling in fixed orbits around the nucleus.

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Orbital

A region in space where an electron is likely to be found.

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Period (Periodic Table)

A horizontal row in the periodic table, with elements having the same number of shells.

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Group (Periodic Table)

A vertical column in the periodic table, with elements having the same number of valence electrons.

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Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, involved in chemical bonding.

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Lewis Structure

Diagram showing valence electrons in atoms or molecules as dots, helping to understand bonding.

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Atom Interactions

Nuclei and electrons of atoms interact to minimize total energy and form bonds.

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Cation

Atom that has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a positive charge.

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Group 1 Elements

Elements in the first column of the periodic table, have one valence electron ready to give away

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Study Notes

Synapses

  • Synapses are junctions between two neurons, meaning "together"
  • Neurons are the basic functional units of the nervous system, conducting messages and integrating information.
  • Neurons come in various shapes and sizes (figures 35.4 and 35.5)
  • Neurons share basic characteristics.
  • A neuron (anatomy) consists of a soma (cell body), an axon (long, transmitting away from the cell body), and dendrites (short, branched, receiving information).
  • Axons of many neurons form nerves.
  • Synapses are junctions between neurons (APP fig 12.27)
  • Part of the presynaptic neuron
  • Neurotransmitters
  • Postsynaptic neuron

Chemical Synapses

  • A sequence of activity (fig 9.3)
  • The presynaptic neuron synthesizes neurotransmitters (NT).
  • Examples of neurotransmitters: acetylcholine (NS, muscles), dopamine (brain, mood), endorphins (pain regulation)
  • Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft (20 mm wide)
  • The postsynaptic neuron's plasma membrane receptors bind to the neurotransmitters.
  • This binding triggers an electrical impulse.
  • Activity at synapses underlies memory and learning.
  • The brain can be remodeled as a result of neuronal plasticity.
  • This occurs mostly at synapses in response to activity.
  • Long-term potentiation (LTP) leads to long-lasting increases in synaptic strength.

Glial Cells

  • Glial cells are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system.
  • They do not produce electrical impulses.
  • There are more glial cells than neurons.
  • Glial cells show more diversity and function than neurons.
  • Types of glial cells include ependymal cells (produce CSF), astrocytes (regulate CSF composition), microglia (fight infection), and oligodendrocytes (electrical insulation).
  • Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor, originating from astrocytes.

Learning and Memory

  • Learning is a process of behavioral change from experience, reducing the probability of nonproductive outcomes.
  • Memory involves physiological and anatomical changes in the nervous system.
  • The nervous system involves neurons and glia.
  • The central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) are involved in the process of learning and memory.
  • Glial cells and neurons are essential to the process of learning and memory.
  • In nervous tissue, there are neurons and glia.
  • In CNS, glial cells include: astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes
  • In PNS: glial cells include satellite cells and Schwann cells

Test Review

  • Membrane potential is a measure of electrical potential in a cell.
  • Voltage channels are made of proteins.
  • Resting potential (70mV) represents a stable membrane potential state.
  • A threshold potential (55mV) activates the start of a new action potential.
  • An action potential (the change in membrane potential from -55mV → 35mV → -70mV) activates transport.
  • Neurotransmitters can activate EPSPs (excitatory postsynaptic potentials) and IPSPs (inhibitory postsynaptic potentials).

Membrane Potential and Action

  • Synaptic activity is important for short and long-term memory changes in the nervous system.
  • Neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft to affect postsynaptic potential.

Chemical synapse

  • Chemical synapse (fig 35.15) - excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs and IPSPS).
  • Chemical synapses are the most common type, involving neurotransmitters.

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Synapses and Neuronal Anatomy PDF

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Explore the fascinating world of synapses and neurotransmitters in this quiz. Learn about the structural components of neurons, the function of synapses, and the various neurotransmitters involved in neural communication. Test your knowledge on how these elements work together in the nervous system.

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