The Nervous System and Endocrine System

Question 1

Specialized cells that transmit and process information from one area of the body to another.

Answer 1

NEURONS

Question 2

Electrochemical signals that depolarize an axon to send an impulse through the neuron; It is also responsible for activating synapses and signaling neurotransmitters within each axon terminal.

Answer 2

ACTION POTENTIALS

Question 3

A process in which neurotransmitters get released into the synaptic cleft and activate voltage-gated channels on the postsynaptic membrane of a muscle cell (we’ll discuss the neuromuscular junction later)

Answer 3

SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION

Question 4

A neutral cell body of a neuron that contains a nucleus and DNA

Answer 4

SOMA

Question 5

Extends from the soma and act as signaling wires that communicate with other neurons or regions of the body. They carry impulses that are needed to relay information whether it be towards the CNS or away from the CNS.

Answer 5

DENDRITES AND AXONS

Question 6

A specialized cell that possesses only one dendrite and one axon.

Answer 6

BIPOLAR NEURON

Question 7

A specialized cell that possesses many dendrites and one axon.

Answer 7

MULTIPOLAR NEURON

Question 8

Axons are able to branch into multiple smaller axons called

Answer 8

SYNAPTIC KNOBS/ AXON TERMINALS

Question 9

Chemical synapses that are released from synaptic vesicles during a synaptic transmission. They travel across a small electrical gap known as the synapsis. In doing so, these are used for various reasons regarding the skeletal, smooth or cardiac muscles and play a vital role in regulating the nervous system.

Answer 9

NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Question 10

An electrical potential that is found on the plasma membrane of a neuron and reads approximately -70 mV or millivolts. This is when no action potentials are being fired and when the neuron is not in use, yet, the cell is still active.

Answer 10

RESTING MEMBRANE POTENTIAL (RMP)

Question 11

What is the sodium-potassium pump cycle?

Answer 11

Na/K ATPase pumps 3 sodium ions out of the plasma membrane and 2 potassium ions into the plasma membrane.

Question 12

Consistently-open channels that allow a certain amount of ions or molecules to diffuse across a plasma membrane.

Answer 12

LEAK CHANNELS

Question 13

In this process, sodium channels open and an influx of sodium ions diffuse across the membrane, increasing the positivity from -55 to 35mV. This is when an action potential gets fired from the axon hillock and carries an impulses across the membrane.

Answer 13

DEPOLARIZATION

Question 14

Activated when depolarization comes to an end. The sodium ion channels close and the potassium channels open, allowing an influx of potassium ions to diffuse directly into the axon. This occurs at approximately 35mV until it drops down to -70mV or, if possible, -90mV. It restores the axon back to resting potential.

Answer 14

REPOLARIZATION

Question 15

-55mV is considered the-

Answer 15

THRESHOLD POTENTIAL

Question 16

Potassium leak channels and Na/K ATPase pumps function as normal and bring the membrane back to resting potential if the membrane was repolarized to -90mV. This is called-

Answer 16

HYPERPOLARIZATION

Question 17

Define Saltatory Conduction.

Answer 17

The action potential ‘jumping’ in between gaps of myelin sheaths called nodes of ranviers. This is when action potentials are faster than normal.

Question 18

A thick layer of proteins that are laid down from glial cells within the PNS and CNS to increase speed of action potentials. They are wrapped around axon membranes like filament paper and release signals.

Answer 18

MYELIN SHEATHS

Question 19

Only found in the PNS and secrete myelin around a neuron.

Answer 19

SCHWANN CELLS

Question 20

Only found in the CNS and secrete myelin around an association neuron.

Answer 20

OLIGODENDROCYTES

Question 21

Explain why sodium and potassium ions aren’t allowed to pass through the membrane when myelin sheaths are present?

Answer 21

Because myelin sheath is wrapped around the sodium and potassium receptors, thus, blocking them off. They are inactivated for now but allows the action potentials to increase in speed.

Question 22

Specialized, non-neuronal cells that provide structural and metabolic support to many neurons.

Answer 22

GLIAL CELLS

Question 23

Found in the CNS and guide the necessary production of newly-formed neurons

Answer 23

ASTROCYTES

Question 24

Found in the CNS and act as garbage collectors

Answer 24

MICROGLIAL CELLS (Microglia)

Question 25

Found in the CNS and produce as well as regulate cerebrospinal fluid

Answer 25

EPENDYMAL CELLS

Question 26

Are Na/K ATPase active or passive transport? And why?

Answer 26

Active transport

Question 27

Do Sodium/Potassium Ions require active or passive transport? Why?

Answer 27

Passive transport

Question 28

The potential force (rmp, depolarization, repolarization, etc.) doesn’t exist. Please provide an example.

Answer 28

EQUILIBRIUM POTENTIAL

Question 29

A neuron will not fire another action potential until the previous action potential has officially completed its course, no matter how strong the depolarization is. Sodium channels become inactivated, not CLOSED, until the resting membrane potential has been activated. This is called-

Answer 29

ABSOLUTE REFRACTORY PERIOD

Question 30

A neuron has depolarization greater than normal due to a hyperpolarized membrane. This is called-

Answer 30

RELATIVE REFRACTORY PERIOD

Question 31

An electrical junction between the axon terminals and the target cells. It is also between the axon terminals and neuronal cells.

Answer 31

SYNAPSE

Question 32

Explain electrical synapses

Answer 32

Occurs when the cytoplasm of 2 cells are joined by gap junctions. From there, an action potential will migrate from one cell to another. Common amongst involuntary contractions.

Question 33

Explain chemical synapses

Answer 33

Found directly at the ends of axons where they meet with their appropriate target cells. This is more or less common in skeletal muscle cells.

Question 34

It is the most common point of attachment between the axon terminal and a skeletal muscle cell. Explain the entire process.

Answer 34

NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION

Question 35

The enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine molecules from the receptors and recycling them back into the vesicles.

Answer 35

ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE

Question 36

A neurotransmitter that depolarizes the postsynaptic membrane once it activates the receptors.

Answer 36

EXCITATORY NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Question 37

A neurotransmitter that repolarizes or hyperpolarizes the postsynaptic membrane.

Answer 37

INHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Question 38

States that no matter what happens, the action potential will NOT fire if the threshold potential doesn’t reach -55mV.

Answer 38

ALL-OR-NONE LAW

Question 39

A postsynaptic membrane either decides to fire an action potential or not depending on how many synapses affect the neuron, whether it be excitatory or inhibitory.

Answer 39

SUMMATION

Question 40

Excitatory neurotransmitters that depolarize a target cell or neuron.

Answer 40

EPSPs (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials)

Question 41

Inhibitory neurotransmitters that hyperpolarize a target cell or neuron.

Answer 41

IPSPs (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials)

Question 42

A presynaptic neuron fires action potentials so darn fast that both EPSPs and IPSPs pile on top of one another. It just depends on whether or not EPSPs dominate IPSPs or vice versa.

Answer 42

TEMPORAL SUMMATION

Question 43

Both EPSPs and IPSPs pile on top of each other but cancels out. If both potentials reach the threshold value, then an action potential will fire on the other neuron or muscle cell.

Answer 43

SPATIAL SUMMATION

Question 44

Receiving information from the PNS to the CNS is known as

Answer 44

SENSORY

Question 45

Receiving information from the CNS to the PNS is known as

Answer 45

MOTOR

Question 46

Carries information from the brain, down the spinal cord, and into its desired target cell.

Answer 46

MOTOR NEURONS/EFFERENT NEURONS

Question 47

Any and all organs or muscles that retrieve information from a motor neuron.

Answer 47

EFFECTORS

Question 48

Carries info from the target cell to the brain.

Answer 48

SENSORY NEURONS/AFFERENT NEURONS

Question 49

A motor input response without any conscious thought-processing. It’s like when a doctor taps your knee with a rubber hammer to see if your hamstring will either relax or constrict.

Answer 49

REFLEX

Question 50

The sensory neuron communicates with a motor neuron on the spinal cord by sending a signal. But instead of that signal going straight to the brain, it dodges a bullet by having the motor neuron implement the signal and fire a response impulse to the muscle which causes the muscle to contract.

Answer 50

MUSCLE STRETCH REFLEX

Question 51

Define Monosynaptic Reflex Arc.

Answer 51

Same as Muscle Stretch Reflex but involves 2 neurons and 1 synapse.

Question 52

A short neuron that forms an inhibitory synapse with a motor neuron in which innervates the hamstring muscle.

Answer 52

INHIBITORY INTERNEURON

Question 53

What are the 2 major categories of the nervous system?

Answer 53

Central and Peripheral Nervous System

Question 54

Which consists of only the brain and spinal cord?

Answer 54

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Question 55

Which is everything else that’s NOT the brain and spinal cord? Think of your arms and legs.

Answer 55

PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Question 56

The PNS is divided into 2 subcategories. Name them.

Answer 56

Somatic and Autonomic

Question 57

Typically controls the voluntary muscles so this would be your tendons, which are bone to muscle attachment.

Answer 57

SOMATIC

Question 58

Typically controls the involuntary muscles such as cardiac (heart) or smooth (digestive).

Answer 58

AUTONOMIC

Question 59

Now the efferent neurons of the autonomic division are further split into 2 subdivisions: name them.

Answer 59

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic

Question 60

Considered the ‘fight or flight’ response or ‘stress’ related. This is where your heart rate increases while the GI tract constricts. Example: you see a ghost and that makes you run.

Answer 60

SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

Question 61

Considered the ‘rest and digest’ response or ‘peaceful’ related. This is where your heart rate slows down while the GI tract activates more smoothly. Example: you eat popcorn while watching TV.

Answer 61

PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

Question 62

During a sympathetic response, the adrenal medulla secretes what into the bloodstream? The reason being is because this neurotransmitter can fly through each neuronal response during a ‘stress’ related moment, thus, giving you more energy to run or fight. However, this does affect the homeostatic level of your body at times.

Answer 62

EPINEPHRINE

Question 63

Myelinated axons in both the CNS and the PNS are called

Answer 63

WHITE MATTER

Question 64

Unmyelinated somas in both the CNS and the PNS are called

Answer 64

GREY MATTER

Question 65

What are the names of the white matter found in the brain, spinal cord, and periphery, respectfully?

Answer 65

Tract, tract or column, nerve

Question 66

What are the names of the grey matter found deep inside the brain, outside the brain, the spinal cord, and the periphery, respectfully?

Answer 66

Nucleus, cortex, horn, ganglion

Question 67

Name the three main divisions of the brain.

Answer 67

Prosencephalon (forebrain), mesencephalon (midbrain) and the rhombencephalon (hindbrain)

Question 68

Usually a clear fluid found in the brain and spinal cord until it collects nutrients and waste needed to be cleaned out by the microglia.

Answer 68

CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid)

Question 69

What are the 3 parts of the rhombencephalon?

Answer 69

Medulla oblongata, pons varolii, cerebellum

Question 70

Sits directly below the pons and above the spinal cord. As a matter of fact, it is the only attachment of the brain to the spinal cord. It relays information and regulates vital functions that the body needs like digestion. You damage this, you’re headed to a coffin early.

Answer 70

MEDULLA OBLONGATA

Question 71

Sits directly above the medulla and below the midbrain. It is the connection point between the brainstem and cerebellum. It controls autonomic functions, antigravity posture and maintains balance. You damage this, you’re also headed to a coffin early.

Answer 71

PONS

Question 72

Sits behind the pons. It is a site where more complex information gets integrated and how a smooth execution takes place. I like to call this either the meeting room or the benchwarmer where if no other parts of the brain is able to understand the info, then this guy can. You damage this, you lose balance of hand posture as well as possible movement.

Answer 72

CEREBELLUM

Question 73

Located right above the pons and below the thalamus. It is the relay center for visual and auditory information of the reticular activating system (RAS).

Answer 73

MIDBRAIN

Question 74

The midbrain, pons and medulla make up what?

Answer 74

BRAINSTEM

Question 75

The prosencephalon divides into what?

Answer 75

Diencephalon and Telencephalon

Question 76

Diencephalon consists of what? Hint: 2 only.

Answer 76

Thalamus and Hypothalamus

Question 77

Sits above the midbrain and is responsible for relaying sensory information.

Answer 77

THALAMUS

Question 78

Sits next to the midbrain and is responsible for controlling emotions, activating glands to release hormones, and many autonomic functions.

Answer 78

HYPOTHALAMUS

Question 79

The telencephalon consists of what?

Answer 79

The entire cerebrum

Question 80

True or False? The spinal cord up to the telencephalon is symmetrical.

Answer 80

False! It is only up to the diencephalon.

Question 81

Left Hemisphere controls what?

Answer 81

Right side of body

Question 82

Right Hemisphere controls what?

Answer 82

Left side of body

Question 83

Both hemispheres intersect at a region known as? And both hemispheres are held by?

Answer 83

Corticospinal tract. Corpus callosum.

Question 84

Unmyelinated somas that run across the surface of the brain, primarily the sulci and gyrus.

Answer 84

CEREBRAL CORTEX

Question 85

Both hemispheres are responsible for-

Answer 85

Thought-processing and intellectual functions in coordination.

Question 86

Name the 4 lobes of the cerebral cortex.

Answer 86

Frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital

Question 87

This lobe initiates all means of voluntary movement, cognitive-thinking, and problem-solving.

Answer 87

FRONTAL LOBES

Question 88

This lobe deals with sensations (taste, touch, pressure, temperature)

Answer 88

PARIETAL LOBES

Question 89

This lobe deals with short-term memory, language comprehension, auditory and olfactory sensation.

Answer 89

TEMPORAL LOBES

Question 90

This lobe deals with visual perception and sensation.

Answer 90

OCCIPITAL LOBES