Exam 1- Chapter 7 Flashcards
What is the nervous system divided into?
- CNS
2. PNS
What is within the CNS?
Brain and Spinal cord
What is within the PNS?
Cranial and Spinal nerves
What are the two types of cells found within the nervous system?
- Neurons
2. Glial/Supporting Cells
What are the functional units of the nervous system?
Neurons
What cells in the nervous system maintain homeostasis?
Glial Cells
How much more abundant are glial cells vs. neurons?
5X more abundant
How do neurons transmit information?
- Responding to stimuli
- Producing and sending electrochemical impulses
- Releasing chemical messages
What are the main parts of a neuron?
- Cell Body
- Dendrites
- Axons
What does the cell body of a neuron contain?
Nucleus
The cell body is the ____ center and makes _____.
- Nutritional Center
2. Macromolecules
What are groups of cell bodies in the CNS called?
Nuclei
What are groups of cell bodies in the PNS called?
Ganglia
What is the function of the dendrites?
Receive information and convey it to the cell body
What is the function of the axons?
Conduct impulses away from the cell body
What is a bundle of axons in the CNS called?
Tracts
What is a bundle of axons in the PNS called?
Nerves
What are the 2 types of transport system axons utilize?
- Axoplasmic Flow
2. Axonal Transport
Which is faster, axoplasmic flow or axonal transport?
Axonal Transport
Axoplasmic flow moves ___ compounds toward ____.
- Soluble compounds
2. Nerve endings
How does axoplasmic flow move soluble compounds?
Via rhythmic contractions
Axonal transport moves ____ and _____ compounds ______ along _______.
- Large
- Insoluble
- Bidirectionally
- Microtubules
Which is energy dependent, axoplasmic flow or axonal transport?
Axonal Transport
What are the two types of axonal transport?
- Anterograde Transport
2. Retrograde Transport
Where does anterograde transport move materials?
Away from cell body
What molecular motor does anterograde transport utilize?
Kinesin
Where does retrograde transport move materials?
Toward cell body
What molecular motor does retrograde transport utilize?
Dynein
How can viruses and toxins enter the CNS?
Via retrograde axonal transport
Sensory/Afferent neurons conduct impulses _____ the CNS
Into
Motor/Efferent neurons conduct impulses _____ the CNS
Out
Where are association/interneurons located?
Entirely inside the CNS
What is the function of association/interneurons?
Integrate nervous system activity
Somatic motor nerves are responsible for what?
- Reflexes
2. Voluntary control of skeletal muscle
Autonomic motor nerves are responsible for what?
Involuntary effectors:
- Smooth muscle
- Cardiac muscle
- Glands
In a pseudounipolar neuron, the cell body sits along side of a _____ _____.
Single Process
What is an example of a pseudounipolar neuron?
Sensory Neurons
In a bipolar neuron dendrites and axons arise form ______ ends of the cells body.
Opposite
What is an example of a bipolar neuron?
Retinal Neurons
Multipolar neurons have ____ dendrites and ____ axon.
- Many
2. Axon
What is an example of multipolar neuron?
Motor neurons
What are the supporting/glial cells of the PNS?
- Schwann Cells
2. Satellite Cells
What are the supporting/glial cells of the CNS?
- Oligodendrocytes
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
- Ependymal Cells
What myelinates PNS axons?
Schwann Cells
What myelinates CNS axons?
Oligodendrocytes
What is different about myelination of axons in the PNS vs. CNS?
Oligodendrocytes myelinate several CNS axons at once while Schwann cells only do one at a time in the PNS
What do ependymal cells appear to be?
Neural stem cells
What are other glial cells involved in?
Nervous system maintenance
Describe specifically how Schwann cells myelinate axons in the PNS.
In PNS each Schwann cell myelinates 1mm of 1 axon by wrapping round and round axon
Schwann cells _____ ____ the axon.
Electrically Insulate
What is the uninsulated gap between adjacent Schwann cells called?
Nodes of Ranvier
Does axon regeneration occur much more readily in the CNS or PNS?
PNS
Why does axon regeneration occur more readily in the PNS?
Oligodendrocytes in the CNS produce proteins that inhibit regrowth and form glial scar tissue that blocks regrowth
Describe nerve regeneration in the PNS specifically.
- Axon in PNS is severed
- Distal part of axon degenerates
- Schwann cells survive and from a regeneration tube
- The regeneration tube releases chemicals that attract growing axon
- The regeneration tube guides the regrowing axon to synaptic site
What are 3 things important about neurotrophins?
- Promote fetal nerve growth
- Required for survival of many adult neurons
- Important for regeneration
What is the most abundance glial cells?
Astrocytes
What are the 5 things astrocytes are involved in?
- Buffering K+ levels
- Recycling neurotransmitters
- Regulating adult neurogenesis
- Releasing transmitters that regulate neuronal activity
- Blood brain barrier
What is the function of blood brain barrier?
Allows only certain compounds to enter the brain
How is the blood brain barrier formed?
Capillary Specializations in the brain
What do the capillary specializations in the brain appear to be induced by?
Astrocytes
What is the difference between the capillaries in the brain and the capillaries in the body?
The capillaries in the brain are not as leaky
What allows the capillaries in the brain to be not as leaky as the ones in the body?
The gaps between adjacent cells are closed by tight junctions
At rest, cells have an ______ internal charge, and _____ distribution of ions
- Negative
2. Unequal
What 3 things does the negative internal charge, and unequal distribution of ions of cells at rest result from?
- Large anions being trapped inside cell
- Na+/K+ pump and limited permeability keep Na+ high outside cell
- K+ is very permeable and is high inside cell Attracted by negative charges inside
What can excitable cells do? How?
- Discharge their RMP quickly
2. Rapid changes in the permeability to ions
Which cells in the entire body can be classified as excitable? Why do they do this?
- Neurons and muscle cells
2. To generate and conduct impulses
How are membrane potential changes measured?
by placing 1 electrode inside cell and 1 outside
What is another name for depolarization?
Hypopolarization
Why is depolarization called depolarization?
Because the potential difference becomes REDUCED(MO becomes more positive)
When does depolariztaion occur?
When MP becomes more positive
When does hyperpolarization occur?
MP becomes more negative than RMP
When does repolarization occur?
MP returns to RMP
In terms of excitatory and inhibitory, what is depolarization and repolarization?
- Depolarization= excitatory
2. Repolarization= inhibitory
How do membrane potentials occur?
Ions flow through membrane channels
Some membrane ion channels are normally ____, while some are ____.
- Open
2. Closed
K+ leakage channels are always _____.
Open
Closed channels have ____ ____ that can be opened
molecular gates
How are voltage-gated (VG) channels opened?
By depolarization
Does K+ have leakage or VG channels?
Both
Does Na+ have leakage or VG channels?
VG channels
In resting cells, are VG K+ and Na+ closed or open?
Closed
Is the cell more permeable to K+ or Na+? Why?
K+ because of leakage channels
What is action potential?
Is a wave of MP change that sweeps along the axon from soma (cell body) to synapse
How is the action potential wave formed?
formed by rapid depolarization of the membrane by Na+ influx; followed by rapid repolarization by K+ efflux
Broadly list the 3 steps in the mechanism of an action potential.
- Depolarization
- Repolarization
- After action potential: Na+/K+ pump
Describe the depolarization step in detail in regards to the mechanism of an action potential.
- Threshold occurs: VG Na+ channels open
- Na+ is driven inward into cell by its electrochemical gradient (this occurs via diffusion)
- This stimulates a positive feedback loop, ADDING to depolarization, opening even more channels
- Change in MP from -70mV to +30mV occurs
Describe the repolarization step in detail in regards to the mechanism of an action potential.
- VG Na+ channels close; VG K+ channels open
- Electrochemical gradient drives K+ outward of cell (also occurs via diffusion)
- Repolarization of axon from +30mV to -70mV occurs
Describe what happens after the depolarization and repolarization step in detail in regards to the mechanism of an action potential.
- After an AP Na+/K+ pump occurs
- Extrudes 3 Na+ out of cell
- Recovers 2 K+ into cell
What does depolarization and repolarization occur by?
Diffusion
Does depolarization and repolarization require active transport?
NO
All action potentials have the same ____ or ___
- Amplitude
2. Size
When a membrane potential reaches a threshold, an AP is ______ fired
Irreversibly
Action potentials are _____ or _____
all or none
What causes more action potentials to be fired?
Increased stimulus intensity
Action potentials are ______ based/measured
Frequency
Can another action potential be produced during an absolute refractory period? Why?
- No
2. Because Na+ channels are inactivated
During a relative refractory period can another action potential be produced?
Yes; but it must be very strong because it is hard to do
What is open during a relative refractory period? What does this do?
- VG K+ channels
2. Makes it harder to depolarize threshold
What do cable properties refer to?
Refer to how axon’s properties affect its ability to conduct current
Cable properties include high resistance of ______.
Cytoplasm
Resistance in cytoplasm decreases as axon diameter _____.
Increases
The current of axons leak out through ___ ____.
ion channels
Is conduction faster in an unmyelinated or myelinated axon?
Myelinated
What is different in the conduction of an unmyelinated axon vs. myelinated besides speed?
In an unmyelinated axon, the impulse repeats all along the axon vs. a myelinated axon when the impulse only occurs in the unmyelinated portions thus speeding the conduction rate
Ions _____ flow across the myelinated membrane of myelinated axons, thus no ____ occur under myelin, and no _____. This ___ current spread.
- can’t
- action potentials
- current leakage
- Increases
Action potentials only occur at the __________ in myelinated axons.
Nodes of ranvier
VG Na+ channels are located ONLY where in myelinated axons?
Nodes of ranvier
In myelinated axons, the action potential skips from node to node, this is called what?
Saltatory Conduction
In a synapse what is the presynaptic, and postsynaptic?
- Presynaptic: neuron
2. Postsynaptic: cell or other neuron
A synapse is what?
functional connection between a neuron (presynaptic) and another cell (postsynaptic)
What are the two types of synapses?
- Chemical
2. Electrical
Synaptic transmission at chemical synapses occur via what?
Neurotransmitters (NT)
Which is more rare in the nervous system, electrical or chemical synapses?
Electrical synapses are rare
Describe electrical synapses.
Depolarization flows from presynaptic into postsynaptic cell through channels called gap junctions
What are the gap junctions in electrical synapses made from?
Connexin proteins
Where are connexin proteins (or electrical synapses– ppt not clear) found in?
- Smooth muscle
- Cardiac muscle
- Bran cells
- Glial cells
In a chemical synapse what separates the terminal bouton of the presynaptic neuron from the postsynaptic cell/neuron?
Synaptic cleft
What is stored in the synaptic vesicles?
NT’s
How does a chemical synapse occur?
- Vesicles fuse with bouton membrane
2. Release NT by exocytosis
The amount of NT released in a chemical synapse depends on what?
Frequency of AP’s
Describe in detail the steps of synaptic transmission.
- Action potential travels down axon to depolarize bouton
- Opens VG Ca2+ channels in bouton
- Ca2+ is driven in by electrochemical gradient triggering the release of NT’s via exocytosis of vesicles
- Neurotransmitters then diffuse across synaptic cleft
- NT’s bind to receptor proteins on postsynaptic membrane thus opening chemically regulated ion channels
- Inward diffusion of Na+ causes depolarization which cause EPSPs
- Hyperpolarizing channels cause IPSPs
- Both of these affect VG channels in postsynaptic cell
- EPSPs and IPSP’s summate
- If MP in postsynaptic cell reaches threshold at the axon hillock, a new AP is generated
Describe in detail the steps of neurotransmitter release.
- Action potentials reach the axon terminal
- Ca2+ enters axon terminal via voltage gated channels
- Ca2+ binds to sensor protein in cytoplasm
- Ca2+ -protein complex stimulates fusion and exocytosis of neurotransmitter
- Neurotransmitter is released from the vesicles into synaptic cleft
What does EPSP stand for? Stimulate or anti-stimulate?
- Excitatory postsynaptic potentials
2. Stimulate
What does IPSP stand for? Stimulate or anti-stimulate?
- Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials
2. Anti-stimulate
Can EPSP’s and IPSP’s summate?
YES
The axon hillock has many _______.
Voltage-gated channels
Where do action potentials normally initiate?
Axon hillock
What is the most widely used neurotransmitter?
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Where is ACh used?
- Brain
2. All neuromuscular junctions
What 2 receptor subtypes does ACh have? What can they both be?
- 1.Nicotinic
- Muscarinic
- Excitatory and Inhibitory
What are Ligand-Gated channels?
Receptor and channel all-in-1
What to Ligand-Gated channels contain?
- NT receptor site
2. Ion channel
When do Ligand-Gated channels open?
When ligand (NT) binds
What is an nicotinic ACh channel formed by?
5 polypeptide subunits
2 subunits in a nicotinic Cch channel contain what?
ACh binding sites
When do the 2 ACh binding subunits in a ACh channel open?
When 2 ACh’s bind
What happens when 2 ACh’s bind to the 2 ACh binding subunits in a ACh channel?
- Channel opens
- Permits diffusion of Na+ into and K+ out of postsynaptic cell
- Inward flow of Na+ dominates
- Produces EPSP’s
Are G Protein-Coupled Channels all in one? What does this mean?
- NO
2. NT receptor is not part of ion channel
G Protein-Coupled Channels are a __ subunit membrane polypeptide.
1
How are G Protein-Coupled Channels activated?
Activates ion channel indirectly through G-proteins
In a Muscarinic ACh Channel binding of 1 ACh activated ______ which affects gated ___ channels. What does this cause?
- G-protein cascade/K+
- Opens some, causing hyperpolarization
- Closes others, causing depolarization
- Opens some, causing hyperpolarization
What does Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) do? Where is it located?
- Inactivates ACh, terminating its action
2. Located in cleft
In the PNS what do cholinergic neurons use as a NT?
ACh
What are the large synapses on skeletal muscle termed?
termed end plates or neuromuscular junctions (NMJ)
What are the large EPSP’s that end plates or neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) produce called? What do they cause?
- End-plate potentials
- Open VG channels beneath end plate
- Cause muscle contraction
What blocks ACh action at the neuromuscular junction?
Curare
What do monoamine NT’s include?
- Serotonin
- Norepinephrine
- Dopamine
What is serotonin derived from?
tryptophan
What is norepinephrine and dopamine derived from? What is this called?
- Tyrosine
2. Catecholamines
After release monoamine NT’s are mostly inactivated by what?
- Presynaptic reuptake
2. Breakdown by monoamine oxidase (MAO)
What are MAO inhibitors?
Antidepressants
What do monoamine NT receptors activate and what do those affect?
G-proteins to affect ion channels
What is serotonin involved in?
- Regulation of mood
- Behavior
- Appetite
- Cerebral circulation
What NT is LSD structurally similar to?
Serotonin
What does SSRI stand for? What are they?
- Serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors
2. Antidepressants
What are the two type of anti-depressants talked about?
- MAO inhibitors
2. SSRI’s
What are some examples of SSRI’s?
- Prozac
- Zoloft
- Paxil
- Luvox
Exactly what do SSRI’s do?
Block reuptake of serotonin, prolonging its action
What are the names of the 2 major dopamine systems in the brain?
- Nigrostriatal dopamine system
2. Mesolimbic dopamine system
Where is the Nigrostriatal dopamine system located? What is it involved in?
- Substantia nigra
2. Motor Control
What is the Mesolimbic dopamine system involved in?
behavior and emotional reward
What dopamine system do most addictions activate in?
Mesolimbic dopamine system
Overactivity of the Mesolimbic dopamine system results in what condition? What is this condition treated with?
- Schizophrenia
2. Anti-dopamine drugs
What divisions of the nervous system is norepinephrine used in?
CNS and PNS
In the PNS what is norepinephrine?
Sympathetic NT
In the CNS what does norepinephrine affect?
Affects general level of arousal
What class of drugs stimulate norepinephrine pathways?
Amphetamines
What are 5 AA NT’s?
- Glutamic Acid
- Aspartic Acid
- Glycine
- Strychnine
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
What is the function of glutamic and aspartic acid?
major CNS excitatory NTs
Glycine is an _____ NT.
Inhbitory
What does glycine open? What do they do?
Opens Cl- channels which hyperpolarize
What does strychnine do? Wha can it cause?
- Blocks glycine receptors
2. Spastic paralysis
What is the most common NT in the brain?
GABA
What does GABA do?
Inhibitory/opens Cl- channels
In what disease does GABA degenerate in?
Huntington’s Disease
What are polypeptide NT’s also called?
Neuropeptides
Neuropeptides can cause a _____ ____ of affects.
Wide range
Are neuropeptides though to open ion channels?
NO
Many neuropeptides are what?
Neuromodulators
What are neuromodulators involved in?
learning and neural plasticity
What do most neurons release?
- Classic NT
2. Polypeptide (neuropeptide) NT
What are 8 neuropeptides?
- CCK
- Substance P
- Endorphins
- Enkephalins
- Dynorphin
- Naloxone
- Neuropeptide Y
- Endocannabinoids
What does CCK do?
Promotes satiety following meals
What is substance P?
Pain NT
What are endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphin?
Endogenous opioid NTs
What do the endogenous opioid NTs: endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphin do?
- Promote analgesia
2. Mediate many placebo affects
What does analgesia/analgesic mean?
inability to feel pain
What are the affects of the endogenous opioid NTs: endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphin blocked by?
Naloxone (opiate antagonist)
What is the most common neuropeptide?
Neuropeptide Y
What is the function of Neuropeptide Y?
- Inhibits glutamate in hippocampus
2. Powerful stimulator of appetite
What are endocannabinoids similar to?
THC in marijuana
What is the only lipid neurotransmitter?
endocannabinoids
Are endocannabinoids stored in vesicles?
NO
Where are endocannabinoids produced?
Produced from the lipids of the plasma membrane
Are endocannabinoids retrograde or aterograde NT’s? Why?
- Retrograde
2. Act on neuron that releases them
What are endocannabinoids involved in?
- May be involved in learning
2. Stimulate appetite (like THC)
What are two gaseous NT’s?
NO and CO
What system to gaseous NT’s act through?
through cGMP second messenger system
What does NO cause?
smooth muscle relaxation
What NT does viagra increase?
NO
In some cases what may NO act as?
Retrograde NT
Are EPSPs graded in magnitude?
YES
Do EPSPs have a threshold?
NO
Do EPSPs cause hyperpolarization or depolarization?
depolarization
Can EPSPs summate?
Yes
Do EPSPs have a refractory period?
NO
5 things about EPSPs? (these questions are asked separately this is a reference card)
- Graded in magnitude
- Have no threshold
- Cause depolarization
- Summate
- Have no refractory period
Cable properties cause EPSPs to do what?
fade quickly over time and distance
When does spatial summation occur?
takes place when EPSPs from different synapses occur in postsynaptic cell at same time
Why does temporal summation occur?
because EPSPs that occur closely in time can sum before they fade
- Repeated use of a synapse can_____ or ____ its ease of transmission.
- This is called _____ or ____.
1.
1. Increase 2. Decrease 2. 1. synaptic facilitation 2. synaptic depression
High frequency stimulation often causes _____ excitability
enhanced
- Enhanced excitability is called what?
2. What is this believed to underlie in?
- Long-term potentiation
2. Leanring
In postsynaptic inhibition what is produced and by what? What does this do?
- GABA and glycine produce IPSPs
- IPSPs dampen EPSPs making it harder to reach threshold
How does presynaptic inhibition occur?
Occurs when 1 neuron synapses onto axon or bouton of another neuron, inhibiting release of its NT