Chapter 10

Question 1

What is neural transmission?

Answer 1

The process by which signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a neuron and bind to receptors on another neuron, allowing for communication between nerve cells.

Question 2

True or False: Neurons are the only cells involved in neural transmission.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

What are neurotransmitters?

Answer 3

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: The space between two neurons is called the __________.

Answer 4

synapse

Question 5

Which part of the neuron receives signals?

Answer 5

Dendrites

Question 6

What is the role of the axon in a neuron?

Answer 6

To transmit electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Question 7

What is an action potential?

Answer 7

A rapid rise and fall in voltage across a cellular membrane, which propagates along the axon of a neuron.

Question 8

True or False: Action potentials are graded responses.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

What is the resting membrane potential of a neuron typically around?

Answer 9

-70 mV

Question 10

What triggers the release of neurotransmitters?

Answer 10

The arrival of an action potential at the axon terminal.

Question 11

Which ion is primarily involved in the release of neurotransmitters?

Answer 11

Calcium (Ca2+)

Question 12

Fill in the blank: The __________ is a fatty layer that insulates the axon and speeds up neural transmission.

Answer 12

myelin sheath

Question 13

What is the function of Schwann cells?

Answer 13

To form the myelin sheath around peripheral nerves.

Question 14

What happens during depolarization of a neuron?

Answer 14

The membrane potential becomes more positive, typically due to the influx of sodium ions (Na+).

Question 15

What is hyperpolarization?

Answer 15

An increase in the membrane potential, making the inside of the cell more negative.

Question 16

True or False: Neurotransmitter receptors can be ionotropic or metabotropic.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

What is the difference between ionotropic and metabotropic receptors?

Answer 17

Ionotropic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels, while metabotropic receptors are G-protein coupled receptors that initiate a signaling cascade.

Question 18

What is reuptake in the context of neurotransmission?

Answer 18

The process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron after they have performed their function.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: __________ is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation.

Answer 19

Serotonin

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the reward pathway?

Answer 20

Dopamine

Question 21

What role do glial cells play in neural transmission?

Answer 21

They support and protect neurons, and can also influence neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity.

Question 22

True or False: All neurotransmitters have the same effect on target cells.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

What is synaptic plasticity?

Answer 23

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity.

Question 24

What is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain?

Answer 24

Glutamate

Question 25

What is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain?

Answer 25

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Question 26

Fill in the blank: __________ is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in muscle contraction.

Answer 26

Acetylcholine

Question 27

What is the purpose of the blood-brain barrier?

Answer 27

To protect the brain from harmful substances while allowing essential nutrients to pass through.

Question 28

True or False: Neural transmission can only occur in the central nervous system.

Answer 28

False

Question 29

What is the significance of the all-or-nothing principle in action potentials?

Answer 29

An action potential occurs fully or not at all; there is no partial action potential.

Question 30

What is the role of the nodes of Ranvier?

Answer 30

They allow for the rapid conduction of action potentials along myelinated axons through a process called saltatory conduction.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: The __________ is the part of the neuron that integrates incoming signals.

Answer 31

cell body (soma)

Question 32

What is a synaptic cleft?

Answer 32

The small gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons at a synapse.

Question 33

What happens during the process of synaptic transmission?

Answer 33

Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron, cross the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 34

True or False: Neurons can regenerate after injury.

Answer 34

False (in the central nervous system, regeneration is limited)

Question 35

What is the role of neurotransmitter degradation?

Answer 35

To break down neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, terminating their action and preventing continuous signaling.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: __________ is a condition characterized by the loss of the myelin sheath in the central nervous system.

Answer 36

Multiple sclerosis

Question 37

What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump in neurons?

Answer 37

To maintain the resting membrane potential by pumping sodium ions out and potassium ions into the cell.

Question 38

What are the two main types of synapses?

Answer 38

Chemical synapses and electrical synapses.

Question 39

Fill in the blank: __________ is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the fight-or-flight response.

Answer 39

Norepinephrine

Question 40

True or False: All neurons release the same type of neurotransmitter.

Answer 40

False

Question 41

What is presynaptic inhibition?

Answer 41

A process where the release of neurotransmitters from one neuron is decreased by the action of another neuron.

Question 42

What is the effect of myelination on neural transmission speed?

Answer 42

It increases the speed of transmission of action potentials along the axon.

Question 43

Fill in the blank: __________ is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in attention and arousal.

Answer 43

Acetylcholine

Question 44

What is the primary function of the central nervous system?

Answer 44

To process information and coordinate responses throughout the body.