C2.2 Neural signalling HL

Question 1

Depolarisation

Answer 1

The decrease in membrane potential, making the inside of the cell less negative

Question 2

Repolarisation

Answer 2

The reestablishment of the resting membrane potential after depolarization

Question 3

Saltatory Conduction

Answer 3

The jumping of action potentials along myelinated axons

Question 4

Threshold Potential

Answer 4

The critical level to which the membrane potential must be depolarized to initiate an action potential

Question 5

Refractory Period

Answer 5

The period following an action potential during which a new action potential cannot be initiated

Question 6

Oscilloscope in Neural Studies

Answer 6

Instrument that visualizes changes in electrical potential in neurons

Question 7

Electrochemical Gradient

Answer 7

The combination of electrical and chemical gradients across a membrane

Question 8

Exogenous Chemicals

Answer 8

External chemicals that can affect synaptic transmission

Question 9

Summation

Answer 9

The process by which multiple synaptic potentials combine within one postsynaptic neuron

Question 10

All-or-Nothing Principle

Answer 10

A neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all

Question 11

Nicotine

Answer 11

A stimulant drug that acts as an agonist for acetylcholine receptors

Question 12

Cocaine

Answer 12

A drug that increases dopamine levels by inhibiting its reuptake

Question 13

Hyperpolarisation

Answer 13

An increase in the membrane potential of a cell, making it more negative

Question 14

Addiction and Neurotransmission

Answer 14

How certain drugs can hijack the brain’s reward system, leading to addiction

Question 15

Perception of Pain

Answer 15

The subjective interpretation of pain signals in the brain

Question 16

Free Nerve Endings

Answer 16

Sensory receptors in skin that detect pain, temperature, and itch

Question 17

Capsaicin

Answer 17

A compound in chili peppers that activates pain receptors

Question 18

Consciousness

Answer 18

The state of being aware of and able to think and perceive one’s environment

Question 19

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 19

The part of the brain associated with consciousness, perception, and thought

Question 20

Anaesthetics

Answer 20

Drugs that reduce consciousness, often by blocking nerve signal transmission to the brain

Question 21

Neuroplasticity and Consciousness

Answer 21

The brain’s ability to reorganize itself, influencing consciousness and cognitive functions