2. Nervous System

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

processes and transmits information through electrical currents

Question 2

Microglia

Answer 2

the first and main form of active immune defense

Question 3

Astrocytes

Answer 3

repair the brain and spinal cord following traumatic inuries

Question 4

Schwann Cells (Oligodendrocyte)

Answer 4

supporting cells of the PNS (peripheral nervous sytem); wrap themselves around neurofibrils

Question 5

How does neurotransmission occur?

Answer 5

• Action potential travels down axon towards axonaptic terminal
• Vesicles move closer toward the membrane of the axonaptic terminal
• the vesicle releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic space and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron
• action potential is released in the postsynaptic neuron

Question 6

Important Neurotransmission ions (5)

Answer 6

Acetylcholine; Dopamine; Epinephrine; Serotonin; Glutamate

Question 7

Sympathetic Nervous System

Answer 7

controls fight or flight response

Question 8

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Answer 8

regulates internal organs (rest or digest)

Question 9

Autonomic Nervous System

Answer 9

• acts as control system

- controls visceral functions (heart rate, digestion, blushing, etc.)

Question 10

Somatic Nervous System

Answer 10

controls voluntary body movements (skeletal muscles)

Question 11

Blood Brain Barrier

Answer 11

• separation of circulating blood from the brain’s extracellular fluid
• formed by capillary endothelial cells
• allows for selective diffusion of molecules

Question 12

How do neurotransmitters get released?

Answer 12

When an action potential reaches the end of a neuron, vesicles release neurotransmitters (acetylcholine) via exocytosis

Question 13

How do neurotransmitters cause a signal to occur?

Answer 13

• The acetylcholine attaches to an acetylcholine receptor site which allows for sodium molecules to enter the muscle cell and for potassium to travel out of the cell
• This creates an action potential on the muscle cell

Question 14

How do neurotransmitters get turned off? (2 ways which it occurs)

Answer 14

They are turned off when acetylcholine is removed from the synaptic cleft

• can occur by acetylcholine diffusing away from the synapses
• Acetylcholine is broken down by acetylcholinesterase (an enzyme) into acetic acid and choline