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Question 1

structure of the nervous system

Answer 1

There are four types of nerve cells in the nervous system: sensory nerves, motor nerves, autonomic nerves and interneurons.

Question 2

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 2

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) contains all the nerves that lie outside of the central nervous system (CNS). The primary role of the PNS is to connect the CNS to the organs, limbs, and skin. T

Question 3

Neurons:

Answer 3

Neurons: Individual cells in the nervous system that receive, integrate & transmit information. Basic link that permit communication in the nervous system. Vast majority communicate only with other neurons, but some can receive signals from sensory organs or carry messages to muscles.

Question 4

Basic parts of a neuron

Answer 4

Dendrites: Parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information. They’re branched feeler-like structures.

Question 5

basic parts of a neuron

Answer 5

Axon: A long, thin fibre that transmits signals away from the soma to other neurons or to muscles or glands.

Question 6

basic parts of a neuron

Answer 6

Soma (Greek for body): Contains the cell nucleus & much of the chemical machinery common to most cells.

Question 7

Basic parts of a neuron

Answer 7

Terminal Buttons: Axons end in a cluster of small knobs that secrete chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals may activate neighbouring synapses.

Question 8

Basic parts of a neuron

Answer 8

Synapses: A junction where information is transmitted from one neuron to another. It’s where neurons connect.

Question 9

Parts of a neurotransmitter

Answer 9

Acetylcholine

Associated with memory, muscle contractions, and learning. A lack of acetylcholine in the brain is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Question 10

Parts of a neurotransmitter

Answer 10

Dopamine

Contributes to control of voluntary movement, pleasurable emotions.
Cocaine & amphetamines elevate activity at DA synapses.
Dopamine Hypothesis: Over-activity at DA synapses associated with schizophrenia.
Decreased levels associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Question 11

Parts of a neurotransmitter

Answer 11

Norepinephrine

Contributes to modulation of mood and arousal.
Abnormal levels may contribute to depression
Cocaine & amphetamines elevate activity at NE synapses.

Question 12

Parts of a neurotransmitter

Answer 12

Serotonin

Involved in regulation of sleep, wakefulness, eating & aggression.
Abnormal levels may contribute to depression & obsessive- compulsive disorder.
Prozac & similar antidepressant drugs affect serotonin circuits.

Question 13

Parts of a neurotransmitter

Answer 13

Glutamate

It has been implicated in learning, memory & long-term potentiation.
Disturbances in glutamate circuits may contribute to features of schizophrenic
disorders.

Question 14

Parts of a neurotransmitter

Answer 14

Endorphins

Internally produced chemicals that resemble opiate drugs in structure and effects.
Contribute to pain relief & perhaps to some pleasurable emotions.
Their receptors are widely distributed in the human body.
Candace Pert & Solomon Snyder showed that morphine exerts its effects by bindin,
to specialized receptors in the brain.
Morphine & heroine are endorphins.

Question 15

What is an Agonist?

Answer 15

A chemical that mimics the action of neurotransmitter by being able to bind in the receptor sites.

Question 16

What is an Antagonist?

Answer 16

A chemical that opposes the action of a neurotransmitter by filling a receptor site & blocking it.