Neuro - Quiz 1

The point where a nerve cell (neuron) communicates with another cell.

Nerve cells, muscle cells, or glands.

A type of synapse where the membranes of two cells are tightly connected, allowing nerve impulses to pass quickly and reliably.

A type of synapse where the cells are separated by a small gap called the synaptic cleft, and communication happens through chemical messengers.

A type of synapse where the cells are directly touching each other, resulting in faster and more synchronized communication.

The ability to detect changes in the environment through sensory receptors.

Specialized cells or dendrites of sensory neurons that respond to specific stimuli.

The conversion of a stimulus into a graded potential by a sensory receptor.

Sensations that arise from the skin, muscles, joints, and tendons, providing information about touch, pressure, temperature, pain, and body position.

Sensations that arise from internal organs, providing information about conditions like fullness, pain, and pressure.

A type of sensory receptor found in muscles, tendons, and joint capsules. They provide information about body position and movement.

The tendency of sensory receptors to decrease their response to a constant stimulus over time.

A type of sensory receptor that adapts slowly to a stimulus and continues to signal for the duration of the stimulus. It provides information about the duration of the stimulus.

A type of sensory receptor that adapts rapidly to a stimulus. It does not provide information about the duration of the stimulus, but rather responds to changes in stimulus intensity or rate.

Sensory receptors that are specialized for detecting changes in stimuli, such as smell, pressure, and touch.

The process by which a chemical neurotransmitter is released from the presynaptic cell, allowing for the transmission of signals across a synapse.

The ability of a presynaptic neuron to control the amount of neurotransmitter released, ensuring precise signal transmission.

A specific molecule released from the presynaptic neuron that binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering changes in its activity.

The specific protein on the postsynaptic neuron that binds to a neurotransmitter, initiating a response.

A type of receptor that can act as both a binding site for a neurotransmitter and an ion channel, allowing for direct ion flow.

The change in the three-dimensional structure of a receptor upon neurotransmitter binding, resulting in the opening of an ion channel.

A localized depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane, making it more likely to generate an action potential. Caused by the influx of positively charged ions.

A localized hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane, making it less likely to generate an action potential. Caused by the influx of negatively charged ions.

The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Involved in learning and memory.

The neurotransmitter at nerve-skeletal muscle synapses, triggering muscle contraction.

A neurotransmitter that inhibits postsynaptic activity, often by increasing chloride permeability, making the cell more negative.

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, involved in regulating anxiety, sleep, and motor control.

A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and other functions. Made from tryptophan.

An enzyme that breaks down serotonin in the synaptic cleft, terminating its action.

A type of neurotransmitter that can have long-lasting, modulating effects on the postsynaptic cell, potentially influencing gene expression.

Endorphins are neuropeptides that act as natural painkillers, reduce stress, and promote calmness.

Endorphins inhibit pain signals by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord.

Activities like exercise and exposure to cold can increase endorphin production, leading to feelings of euphoria and pain relief.

Nicotine activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, primarily in the brain, which causes the release of dopamine, leading to feelings of euphoria.

Curare, a South American arrow poison, blocks acetylcholine receptors, preventing muscle contraction and resulting in flaccid paralysis.

Morphine and heroin act on opiate receptors, producing pain relief, euphoria, and sedation.

Cannabis affects the brain by activating cannabinoid receptors, leading to a range of effects including relaxation, altered perception, and appetite increase.

Cocaine blocks the reuptake of dopamine, causing an increase in dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft. This excess dopamine leads to feelings of euphoria and increased alertness.

Saringas works by blocking the removal of acetylcholine at nerve-muscle synapses, leading to continuous muscle contraction and spastic paralysis.

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies block acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland, leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Epilepsy is often linked to reduced inhibitory neurotransmission of GABA in the brain, resulting in excessive neuronal activity and seizures.

Depression and schizophrenia are often linked to dysfunctions in synaptic transmission involving neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Neuronal pools are groups of interconnected neurons with specific functions, playing a crucial role in processing information in the nervous system.

A neuropil is a tangled network of dendrites, axon terminals, and glial cells where most synaptic connections occur.

A group of interconnected neurons that work together to perform a specific function within the nervous system.

The pattern of communication between neurons within a circuit.

The spread of information from one neuronal pool to multiple other pools, enabling broad distribution of a signal.

The convergence of multiple neurons onto a single postsynaptic neuron, allowing for integrated input.

A step-by-step relay of information from one neuronal pool to another, often used for transmitting sensory signals.

The simultaneous processing of the same information by multiple neurons or pools, allowing for parallel responses.

A neural circuit that utilizes feedback to sustain or amplify its own activity, often involved in maintaining consciousness or rhythmic processes.

The conscious interpretation and understanding of sensations, providing meaning and context.

The distinct quality or type of sensation, such as sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell.

A reflex that involves the spinal cord only, without requiring input from the brain.

A reflex that involves the brain stem, controlling basic physiological functions like heart rate and breathing.

A sensation that reaches the cerebral cortex, allowing for detailed and conscious processing of the stimulus.

The process of converting a sensory stimulus into a neural signal that the brain can understand.

Stimulation of olfactory receptors in the nose results in conversion of chemical energy to electrical signals in the form of graded potentials.

Graded potentials vary in strength depending on the intensity of the stimulus. Unlike action potentials, they are not propagated.

Sensory neurons that transmit signals from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to the central nervous system (CNS).

The process of receiving and integrating sensory information within the central nervous system.

Free nerve endings are unmyelinated dendrites that lack structural specialization and respond to pain, temperature, tickle, itch, and light touch.

Encapsulated nerve endings are dendrites enclosed in connective tissue capsules that respond to pressure, vibration, and deep touch.

Separate sensory cells are specialized for specific senses (like vision, taste, hearing, and balance) and synapse with first-order neurons.

Mechanoreceptors respond to physical or mechanical stress, such as touch, pressure, vibration, hearing, proprioception, and equilibrium.

Thermoreceptors are sensitive to changes in temperature, with specialized receptors for both heat and cold.

Nociceptors detect potential tissue damage by responding to intense mechanical deformation, excessive heat, or chemical signals.

Chemoreceptors respond to chemicals such as those involved in taste and smell, as well as blood oxygen, CO2, glucose, and pH.

Photoreceptors detect visible light. Rods are highly sensitive but do not distinguish color, while cones are less sensitive but detect different colors.

A type of graded potential produced by free nerve endings, encapsulated nerve endings, and olfactory receptors. When large enough, it triggers a nerve impulse in a first-order neuron.

A type of graded potential produced by receptors involved in vision, hearing, equilibrium, and taste. It triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which in turn can generate a nerve impulse in a first-order neuron.

Exteroceptors are located near the surface of the body and receive external stimuli, such as touch, pressure, pain, temperature, hearing, vision, smell, and taste.