Comprehension Check 2.1: The Concept Of The Synapse

Question 1

What evidence led Sherrington to conclude that transmission at a synapse is different than transmission across an axon?

Answer 1

The velocity of a reflex is slower than the velocity of an action potential

Hint: Sherrington studied reflexes.

Question 2

Although one pinch did not cause a dog to flex its leg, a rapid sequence of pinches did. Sherrington cited this observation as evidence for what?

Answer 2

Temporal summation

Question 3

Although one pinch did not cause a dog to flex its leg, several simultaneous punches at nearby locations did. Sherrington cited this observation as evidence for what?

Answer 3

Spatial summation

Question 4

When a vigorous pinch excites a dog’s flexor muscle, it decreased excitation of the extensor muscles of the same leg. Sherrington cited this observation as as evidence for what?

Answer 4

Inhibitory synapses

Question 5

During an EPSP, the —— gates of the membrane open. During an IPSP, the —— gates open.

Answer 5

Sodium…..Potassium or chlorine

Hint : EPSP deals with the excitation so the cell is becoming depolarized. The cell is gaining more positive ions. IPSP deals with inhibition so the cell is becoming hyperpolorized. The cell is gaining more negative ions.

Question 6

In what way were Sherrington ‘s conclusions important for psychology as well as neuroscience?

Answer 6

He demonstrated the importance of inhibition