Brain Cells

Question 1

The brain is made up of neurons and glial cells. Which type of cell is responsible for receiving, processing and transmitting information around the nervous system?

Answer 1

Neurons

Question 2

10% of the brain is made up of neurons. In what 3 ways might neurons differ among each other?

Answer 2

Function, location, interconnectivity

Question 3

Name the 4 main parts of the neuron, as discussed by Dr Liana Machado in lecture 2:

Answer 3

Cell body/soma, dendrites, axons, axon terminals

Question 4

____ are tree-like branches that extend from the cell body of a neuron to receive information from other neurons:

Answer 4

Dendrites

Question 5

The _____ of the neuron contains the “metabolic machinery” that maintains the neuron:

Answer 5

Cell body/soma

Question 6

____ extend from the soma to transmit chemical signals, called neurotransmitters, to other neurons via the axon _____:

Answer 6

Axons; terminals

Question 7

Name the fatty substance that facilitates the conduction of neuronal impulses by wrapping around the axon:

Answer 7

Myelin

Question 8

Name the type glial cell responsible for the creation of myelin for facilitating neuronal transmission:

Answer 8

Oligodendrocytes

Question 9

At what point do neurons meet to transmit information?

Answer 9

The synapse

Question 10

Axons are _____ because they are transmitting information, whereas dendrites are _____ because they are receiving information:

Answer 10

Presynaptic; postsynaptic

Question 11

_____ means to be positioned before the synapse; _____ means to be positioned after the synapse:

Answer 11

Presynaptic; postsynaptic

Question 12

Glial cells account for approximately 90% of the brain’s total volume. How many types of glial cells are there?

Answer 12

3

Question 13

Name the 3 types of glial cells responsible for protecting, maintaining and facilitating neurons in the CNS:

Answer 13

Oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglial cells

Question 14

_____ cells are the supportive sidekicks of neurons:

Answer 14

Glial cells

Question 15

Name the glial cell responsible for protecting the CNS from dangerous molecules:

Answer 15

Astrocytes

Question 16

Name the glial cell responsible for cleaning up after dead or degenerating brain cells:

Answer 16

Microglial cells

Question 17

We only use approximately 10% of our brain. True or false?

Answer 17

False

Question 18

Which part of the neuron can be compared to “telephone wires”?

Answer 18

Axons