Chapter 5 Neuronal Function

Question 1

Neurotransmission

Answer 1

Communication between neurons by the movement of chemicals
across a synapse
- Neurotransmitters are released into synaptic cleft to
facilitate transmission of information from the presynaptic
neuron to postsynaptic neuron
-Neurotransmitters attach to receptors and either excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron
-Neurotransmitters separate from receptors for reuptake by
the presynaptic neuron

Question 2

Neurotransmitters

Answer 2

Acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine
• Excitatory – increase in activity
• Inhibitory – reduction in activity

Question 3

Functional differences between neurons

Interneurons

Answer 3

Communicating within the nervous system

Question 4

Functional differences between neurons
     Sensory Neurons   (afferent)

Answer 4

Communication sent from the body toward the central nervous system

Question 5

Functional differences between neurons
      Motor Neurons (efferent)

Answer 5

Communication sent from the central nervous system to

the body

Question 6

Nerve Pathways and Tracts

Answer 6

Neurons function in groups
- Wrapped together in bundles that form nerve pathways or
tracts
• Efferent, Afferent, and Mixed

Question 7

Nerve Pathways and Tracts

Upper motor neurons

Answer 7

• Neurons located within the central nervous system
• Responsible for carrying impulses for voluntary motor
activity from the cerebrum to the lower motor neurons

Question 8

Nerve Pathways and Tracts

Lower motor neurons

Answer 8

• Neurons located in the peripheral nervous system
• Provides impulses/information directly to peripheral
structures

Question 9

Neuromuscular Junction

Answer 9

The point of synapse between neuron and muscle

Question 10

Neuromuscular Junction

Myasthenia Gravis – chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder

Answer 10

o Autoimmune responses destroys or blocks the receptor sites of the neuromuscular junction (neurotransmitters are unable to stimulate a response)
o Fluctuating weakness of voluntary muscle groups
o Hypernasal speech with reduced intelligibility
o Difficulty chewing and swallowing