11.2

Question 1

Synapse

Answer 1

A functional connection between neurons and effectors.

Question 2

Chemical synapse

Answer 2

A synapse in which a neurotransmitter moves from a presynaptic cell to a postsynaptic cell through the synaptic cleft.

Question 3

Neurotransmitter

Answer 3

A chemical that is released from vesicles into synapses to facilitate nerve signal transmission.

Question 4

Synaptic cleft

Answer 4

The tiny gap between presynaptic and postsynaptic cells in a chemical synapse, across which the neurotransmitter diffuses.

Question 5

Electrical synapse

Answer 5

A synapse in which the presynaptic cell makes direct contact with the postsynaptic cell, allowing current to flow via gap junctions between the cells.

Question 6

Membrane potential

Answer 6

The electrical potential of a membrane, which is cause by an imbalance of charges on either side of the membrane.

Question 7

Ion channel

Answer 7

A protein embedded in the plasma membrane that allows ions to pass through it.

Question 8

Resting potential

Answer 8

The voltage difference across a nerve cell membrane of an unstimulated neuron; usually negative.

Question 9

Action potential

Answer 9

The voltage difference across nerve cell mementsbe when the nerve is excited.

Question 10

Threshold potential

Answer 10

The potential at which an action potential is generated by a neuron.

Question 11

Refractory period

Answer 11

The period of time during which the threshold required for the generation of an action potential is much higher than normal.

Question 12

Meninges

Answer 12

Three layers of connective tissue that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Question 13

Cerebrospinal fluid

Answer 13

Circulating fluid that surrounds the membranes of the brain and spinal cord; provides neural connection to the endocrine system.

Question 14

Grey matter

Answer 14

The tissue of the brain and spinal cord where the cell bodies and dendrites of neurons are located.

Question 15

White matter

Answer 15

The tissue of the brain and spinal cord, composed of axons of neurons; in the spinal cord, it surrounds the grey matter.

Question 16

Medulla oblongata

Answer 16

The hindbrain region that connects the spinal cord to the cerebellum; important in autonomic nerve control.

Question 17

Cerebellum

Answer 17

The hindbrain region that is involved in muscle movement and balance.

Question 18

Pons

Answer 18

The brain region that transfers nerve signals between the cerebellum and the medulla.

Question 19

Cerebrum

Answer 19

The brain region that is involved in motor activities and sensory information; the largest and most developed region of the brain.

Question 20

cerebral cortex

Answer 20

The outermost layer of the cerebral hemispheres.

Question 21

Thalamus

Answer 21

The brain region that interprets sensory input and signals the cerebrum.

Question 22

Blood-brain barrier

Answer 22

A barrier formed by tight junctions between endothelial cells in the capillaries in the brain that blocks the movement of most substances into the brain via the bloodstream.