Week 4

Question 1

Who was the first scientist to use a remote neural implant?

Answer 1

Jogo Delgado.

Question 2

What are the two main classes of cells in the nervous system?

Answer 2

Neurons and glial cells.

Question 3

What do glial cells provide?

Answer 3

Structural support and assistance in electrical activity.

Question 4

Name the three types of glial cells.

Answer 4

Astrocytes, microglial cells, and oligodendrocytes.

Question 5

What is the primary function of astrocytes?

Answer 5

To create the blood-brain barrier and transport ions across the vascular wall.

Question 6

What is the role of oligodendrocytes?

Answer 6

To produce myelin in the CNS.

Question 7

What do Schwann cells do?

Answer 7

Produce myelin in the PNS.

Question 8

What is myelin’s function?

Answer 8

It acts as an electrical insulator to speed up signal transmission.

Question 9

What is the function of microglial cells?

Answer 9

To act as phagocytes that devour damaged cells.

Question 10

What is the significance of the blood-brain barrier?

Answer 10

It protects the brain from foreign substances that could harm neural activity.

Question 11

What are the two components unique to neurons?

Answer 11

Dendrites and axons.

Question 12

What is the function of dendrites?

Answer 12

To receive information from other neurons.

Question 13

What are axons?

Answer 13

Long thin structures that carry electrical signals to the axon terminals.

Question 14

What are nodes of Ranvier?

Answer 14

Gaps in the myelin sheath that facilitate rapid signal transmission.

Question 15

What is neuronal signaling?

Answer 15

The process of receiving, evaluating, and transmitting information within neurons.

Question 16

What is the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Answer 16

Approximately -70 mV.

Question 17

What maintains the membrane potential?

Answer 17

Ion channels and ion pumps.

Question 18

How many Na ions are pumped out for every K ion pumped in?

Answer 18

3 Na out, 2 K in.

Question 19

What happens during depolarization?

Answer 19

Voltage-gated Na channels open, allowing Na to enter the neuron.

Question 20

What is the Hodgkin–Huxley cycle?

Answer 20

A feedback loop of depolarization caused by opening Na channels.

Question 21

What is synaptic transmission?

Answer 21

The process of communication between neurons.

Question 22

Name the two types of synapses.

Answer 22

Chemical synapses and electrical synapses.

Question 23

What are neurotransmitters?

Answer 23

Chemical messengers released at synapses.

Question 24

How do neurotransmitters move across the synapse?

Answer 24

They are released into the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.

Question 25

What triggers neurotransmitter release?

Answer 25

The influx of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) into the axon terminal.

Question 26

Name the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Answer 26

Glutamate.

Question 27

Name the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Answer 27

GABA.

Question 28

What are two types of acetylcholine receptors?

Answer 28

Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.

Question 29

What neurotransmitter is associated with reward and motivation?

Answer 29

Dopamine.

Question 30

What neurotransmitter regulates mood, sleep, and appetite?

Answer 30

Serotonin.

Question 31

What structures enable electrical transmission between neurons?

Answer 31

Gap junctions.

Question 32

What is the main advantage of electrical synapses?

Answer 32

Rapid signal conduction.

Question 33

What is the main limitation of electrical synapses?

Answer 33

They lack plasticity and cannot amplify signals.

Question 34

What are microcircuits?

Answer 34

Localized networks of interconnected neurons that process specific information.

Question 35

What is a corticocortical connection?

Answer 35

A connection between two cortical regions

Question 36

What are the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 36

Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems

Question 37

What neurotransmitter does the sympathetic system primarily use?

Answer 37

Norepinephrine.

Question 38

What neurotransmitter does the parasympathetic system primarily use?

Answer 38

Acetylcholine.

Question 39

What are the three protective membranes of the CNS?

Answer 39

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Question 40

What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Answer 40

A fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Question 41

What are the ventricles in the brain?

Answer 41

Interconnected cavities filled with CSF.

Question 42

Name one function of CSF.

Answer 42

Reducing shock during rapid movements.

Question 43

What can excessive glutamate lead to?

Answer 43

Cell death, stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Question 44

What diseases are associated with dopamine deficits?

Answer 44

Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia.

Question 45

What happens if GABA levels are too high?

Answer 45

It can lead to coma.

Question 46

What toxin inhibits acetylcholine release?

Answer 46

Botulinum toxin.

Question 47

What neurotransmitter is involved in the fight-or-flight response?

Answer 47

Norepinephrine.

Question 48

What is saltatory conduction?

Answer 48

The jumping of action potentials between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 49

What is hyperpolarization?

Answer 49

A state where the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential.

Question 50

What is the absolute refractory period?

Answer 50

A period during which Na channels cannot reopen, preventing new action potentials.