Communication in our nervous system

Question 1

Electric Signalling

Answer 1

conducts information WITHIN a neuron

Question 2

ion
anion
cation

Answer 2

electrically charges molecule
negatively charged ion
positively charged ion

Question 3

Neuronal communication

Answer 3

anions and cations inside the neuron are within intracellular fluid 
outside neuron (through the cell membrane) are other ions in the extracellular fluid

Question 4

Membrane Potential

Answer 4

Resting potential = balance of ions at rest

Action potential = brief electrical impulse that provides the basis for conduction of info along an axon

Question 5

diffusion through semi-permeable membrane

Answer 5

molecules move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration

Question 6

electrostatic pressure

Answer 6

opposite charges attract one another

like charges repel one another

Question 7

sodium- potassium pump - Maintains resting potential

Answer 7

pushes Na+ out
exchanges Na+ for K+
pushes 2 Na+ out for each 1 K+ allowed in

Question 8

ion channel

Answer 8

a channel in the cell membrane that permits specific ions to enter or leave the cell

Question 9

voltage-gated ion channel

Answer 9

an ion channel that opens or closes according to the value of the membrane potential

Question 10

an action potential

Answer 10

opening of sodium channels starts the action potential, potassium channels opening are a second step
one action potential has been triggered it is transmitted down the entire axon
at the end of the axon it splits to different terminal buttons but remains the same power

Question 11

Rate law

Answer 11

the rate of firing of the neuron determines the response of our system

Question 12

saltatory conduction

Answer 12

areas without myelin are the only areas where an action potential can be triggered

Question 13

chemical signalling

Answer 13

information transmission between neutrons

Question 14

postsynaptic receptors

Answer 14

specialised to fit particular neurotransmitters

a molecule of the correct size and shape to fit the receptor is a LIGAND

Question 15

Ligands

Answer 15

Endogenous = Neurotransmitters and hormones occurring naturally in the body 
Exogenous = drugs and toxins from outside the body

Question 16

example of neurotransmitters

Answer 16

dopamine= general arousal/movement 
serotonin= related to mood 
glutamate= formation of long-term memories