Electrical and Chemical Signaling

Question 1

What are the two main types of signaling in the brain?

Answer 1

Chemical and electrical signaling

These signaling types are essential for processing information and regulating body functions.

Question 2

What is the inside resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Answer 2

-70mV

This negative charge is due to the distribution of ions, primarily Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl⁻.

Question 3

What occurs during an action potential?

Answer 3

Voltage-gated ion channels open, Na⁺ enters, and the neuron depolarizes

If the threshold of approximately -55mV is reached, a rapid spike in voltage occurs.

Question 4

What happens during repolarization?

Answer 4

K⁺ channels open, restoring the resting potential

This process may lead to hyperpolarization, where the membrane potential becomes more negative than -70mV.

Question 5

What is saltatory conduction?

Answer 5

Signals ‘jump’ between Nodes of Ranvier in myelinated neurons

This mechanism speeds up the transmission of electrical signals along the axon.

Question 6

What triggers neurotransmitter release at the synapse?

Answer 6

Ca²⁺ influx at the presynaptic terminal

This influx leads to vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft.

Question 7

What are the two types of responses that neurotransmitter binding can lead to?

Answer 7

Excitatory (depolarization) and inhibitory (hyperpolarization) responses

The specific response depends on the type of neurotransmitter and receptor involved.

Question 8

How are neurotransmitters removed from the synaptic cleft? Poop

Answer 8

Reuptake, enzymatic degradation, or diffusion

This process is crucial for terminating the signal and preventing continuous stimulation.

Question 9

True or False: Neurons use chemical signals for fast, long-distance communication.

Answer 9

False, they use electrical signals

Neurons use electrical signals for fast, long-distance communication.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Neurons use _______ signals for fast communication, while _______ signals allow modulation and specificity.

Answer 10

electrical, chemical

This integration enables complex functions such as perception and motor control.

Question 11

Glutamate

Answer 11

learning, memory, excitatory

Question 12

GABA

Answer 12

calms, prevents overstimulation, inhibitory

Question 13

Dopamine

Answer 13

reward, motivation, movement

Question 14

Serotonin

Answer 14

mood, appetite, sleep, inhibitory

Question 15

Acetylcholine

Answer 15

muscle movement, cognitive functions, excitatory

Question 16

Norepinephrine

Answer 16

alertness, stress response