2.1 The neuron

Question 1

neuroscience

Answer 1

The scientific study of the brain and nervous system.

Question 2

neurons

Answer 2

Cells that transmit information within the nervous system.

Question 3

glial cells (glia)

Answer 3

Cells in the nervous system that comprise the support system for the neurons.

Question 4

cell body

Answer 4

The part of the neuron that contains its nucleus and the other biological machinery to keep the cell alive and that decides whether to generate a neural impulse in order to pass incoming information on to other neurons.

Question 5

dendrites

Answer 5

Fibers projecting out of the cell body of a neuron whose function is to receive information from other neurons.

Question 6

axon

Answer 6

The long, singular fiber projecting out of the cell body of a neuron, whose function is to conduct the neural impulse from the cell body to the axon terminals, triggering chemical communication with other neurons.

Question 6

synaptic gap (synapse)

Answer 6

The microscopic gap between neurons across which neurotransmitters travel to carry their messages to other neurons.

Question 7

neurotransmitter

Answer 7

A naturally occurring chemical in the nervous system that specializes in transmitting information between neurons.

Question 7

myelin sheath

Answer 7

An insulating layer covering an axon that allows for faster neural impulses.

Question 8

positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Answer 8

A visual display of the activity levels in various areas in the brain generated by detecting the amount of positron emission created by the metabolization of radioactive glucose in each area.

Question 9

agonist

Answer 9

A drug or poison that increases the activity of one or more neurotransmitters.

Question 9

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Answer 9

A computerized image of the activity levels of various areas in the brain generated by detecting the amount of oxygen brought to each area.

Question 10

antagonist

Answer 10

A drug or poison that decreases the activity of one or more neurotransmitters.

Question 11

acetylcholine (ACH)

Answer 11

A neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and muscle movement.

Question 12

dopamine

Answer 12

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and mood states, thought processes, and physical movement.

Question 13

Parkinson’s disease

Answer 13

A disease in which the person has movement problems such as muscle tremors, difficulty initiating movements, and rigidity of movement. These movement problems stem from a scarcity of dopamine in the basal ganglia.

Question 14

blood–brain barrier

Answer 14

A protective mechanism by which the blood capillaries supplying the brain create a barrier that prevents dangerous substances access to the brain.

Question 15

L-dopa

Answer 15

A drug for Parkinson’s disease that contains the precursors to dopamine so that once it is in the brain, it will be converted to dopamine.

Question 15

selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs)

Answer 15

Antidepressant drugs that achieve their agonistic effect on serotonin and norepinephrine by selectively blocking their reuptake.

Question 16

serotonin and norepinephrine

Answer 16

Neurotransmitters involved in levels of arousal and mood, sleep, and eating.

Question 17

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer 17

Antidepressant drugs that achieve their agonistic effect on serotonin by selectively blocking its reuptake.

Question 18

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Answer 18

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. It is involved in lowering arousal and anxiety and regulating movement.

Question 19

endorphins

Answer 19

A group of neurotransmitters that are involved in pain relief and feelings of pleasure.

Question 19

glutamate

Answer 19

The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. It is involved in memory storage, pain perception, strokes, and schizophrenia.