ZOOL 442 Exam 1 Study Guide PDF

Neuroscience Exam Study Guide I. Neuron Structure and Function 1.​ Neuron Doctrine: Neurons are the structural and functional units of the nervous system, responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting electrical signals 2.​ Cell Types in Nervous System: ○​ Neur...

Neuroscience Exam Study Guide I. Neuron Structure and Function 1.​ Neuron Doctrine: Neurons are the structural and functional units of the nervous system, responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting electrical signals 2.​ Cell Types in Nervous System: ○​ Neurons: Conduct electrical impulses. ○​ Glial Cells: Support neurons (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, microglia, ependymal cells). 3.​ Neuron Labeling: Be able to identify soma, dendrites, axon, axon hillock, synapse. 4.​ Neurites: Processes extending from the soma (dendrites and axons). ○​ Axon collaterals: Branches of an axon. ○​ Recurrent collaterals: Axon branches that synapse on the neuron itself. 5.​ Cytoskeleton Components: ○​ Microtubules: Structure and transport. ○​ Neurofilaments: Stability. ○​ Actin Microfilaments: Shape and motility. 6.​ Axoplasmic Transport: ○​ Anterograde (kinesin): Soma to axon terminal. ○​ Retrograde (dynein): Terminal to soma. 7.​ Protein Synthesis in Neurons: ○​ Soma: Primary site of protein synthesis. ○​ Axons/Dendrites: Limited local protein synthesis. 8.​ Types of Neuron Connections: ○​ Sensory, motor, interneurons. 9.​ Dendritic Arbor Regulation: Modifies synaptic input strength. II. Glial Cells and Nervous System Organization 10.​Types of Glial Cells & Locations: ○​ CNS: Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells. ○​ PNS: Schwann cells, satellite cells. 11.​Functions of Glial Cells: ○​ Astrocytes: Support, BBB maintenance. ○​ Oligodendrocytes/Schwann Cells: Myelination. ○​ Microglia: Immune response. ○​ Ependymal Cells: CSF production. 12.​Neural Circuits: Functional groups of neurons (e.g., reflex arc). 13.​Nervous System Organization: CNS (brain, spinal cord) vs. PNS (nerves, ganglia). III. Membrane Properties and Electrical Signaling 14.​Neuron Membrane Composition: Phospholipid bilayer, ion channels. 15.​Ion Transport Types & Mechanisms: ○​ Passive: Ion channels. ○​ Active: Pumps (Na+/K+ ATPase). 16.​Resting Membrane Potential Factors: ○​ Ion gradients, selective permeability. 17.​Equations: ○​ Nernst: Determines equilibrium potential. ○​ Goldman: Predicts membrane potential. 18.​Action Potential Graph: ○​ Resting (-70 mV), threshold, depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization, return to rest. 19.​Action Potential Features: ○​ All-or-none, refractory periods. 20.​Speed Increase Mechanisms: ○​ Myelination, axon diameter. 21.​Voltage-Gated Na+ vs. K+ Channels: ○​ Na+: Fast, inactivation gate. ○​ K+: Slower, no inactivation. IV. Synaptic Transmission & Neurotransmitters 22.​Types of Synapses: ○​ Electrical: Direct ion flow (gap junctions). ○​ Chemical: Neurotransmitter release. 23.​Synapse Characteristics: ○​ Electrical: Fast, bidirectional. ○​ Chemical: Slower, unidirectional. 24.​Neurotransmitter Release Steps: ○​ Action potential → Ca2+ influx → Vesicle fusion → Neurotransmitter release. 25.​Essential Ion for Fusion: ○​ Ca2+ 26.​Proteins in Vesicle Fusion: ○​ Synaptotagmin (Ca2+ sensor), SNARE complex (fusion machinery). 27.​Post-Synaptic Receptors: ○​ Ionotropic: Fast, ligand-gated. ○​ Metabotropic: Slow, G-protein coupled. 28.​Neurotransmitter Criteria: ○​ Synthesized in neurons, released upon stimulation, produces a response. 29.​Classification Methods: ○​ Structure, function, receptor interaction. 30.​Synthesis & Rate-Limiting Steps: ○​ Acetylcholine: Choline acetyltransferase. ○​ Catecholamines: Tyrosine hydroxylase. ○​ Serotonin: Tryptophan hydroxylase. ○​ Amino Acid Neurotransmitters: Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GABA). 31.​Excitatory vs. Inhibitory Neurotransmitters: ○​ Excitatory: Glutamate, acetylcholine. ○​ Inhibitory: GABA, glycine.