Exam 1: Structure & Function

Question 1

Dendrites

Answer 1

Collect incoming signals from other neurons.

Question 2

Soma/Cell Body

Answer 2

Where the nucleus resides/integrates information from dendrites.

Question 3

Axon Terminals

Answer 3

Contains neurotransmitters, optimized for signal ouput

Question 3

Nucleus

Answer 3

Houses the cell’s genome, the nucleus serves both as the repository of genetic information and as the cell’s control center.

Question 4

Axon Hillock

Answer 4

Enlargement on cell body, where neurons axon projects away.
-Gathers & integrates information from synapse

Question 5

Axon

Answer 5

Nerve fiber extension from the soma, allowing communication over long distances.

Question 6

Axon Terminals

Answer 6

Contain neurotransmitters optimized for signal output.

Question 7

Sensory Neurons

Answer 7

Convey information from sense organs to the brain, taking many different shapes depending on whether they signal the presence of light or sound or touch and so on.

Question 7

Motor Neurons

Answer 7

The neurons that trigger movements are large with long axons reaching out to synapse on muscles, causing muscular contractions.

Question 8

Interneurons

Answer 8

Receive information from other neurons, process it, and pass the integrated information to other neurons.

Question 9

Unipolar Neurons

Answer 9

Have a single extension, typically identified as an axon for its entire length.
At one end are the branching dendrite-like input zone and integration zone.
Transmit touch and pain information from the body into the spinal chord.

Question 10

Bipolar Neurons

Answer 10

Have a single dendrite at one end of the cell and a single axon at the other end. Are common in sensory systems, such as vision.

Question 11

Multipolar Neurons

Answer 11

Have many dendrites and a single axon. Most common type of neuron.

Question 12

Pre-synaptic

Answer 12

Refers to the “transmitting” side of a synapse.

Question 13

Postsynaptic

Answer 13

This refers to the region of a synapse that receives and responds to neurotransmitters.

Question 14

Synapse

Answer 14

The junction between neurons where they communicate with each other.

Question 15

Vesicle

Answer 15

A small spherical structure that contains molecules of neurotransmitters

Question 16

Nodes of Ranvier

Answer 16

A gap between successive segments of the myelin sheath where the axon membrane is exposed.

Question 16

Neurotransmitter

Answer 16

The signaling chemical released from the presynaptic axon terminal that diffuses across the synaptic cleft to alter the functioning of the postsynaptic neuron, which serves as the basis of communication between neurons.

Question 17

Receptor

Answer 17

A specialized protein, embedded in the cell membrane, that selectively senses and reacts to molecules of a corresponding neurotransmitter.

Question 18

Oligodendrocytes

Answer 18

A type of glial cell that forms myelin in the CNS.

Question 19

Schwann Cell

Answer 19

A type of glial cell that forms myelin in the PNS.

Question 20

Myelin

Answer 20

A fatty insulation around an axon, is formed by glial cells. This sheath boosts the speed at which nerve impulses (action potentials) are conducted.

Question 21

Microglia

Answer 21

Extremely small motile glial cells that remove cellular debris from injured or dead cells.

Question 22

Astrocytes

Answer 22

A star-shaped glial cell with numerous processes (extensions) that run in all directions.

Question 23

NG2 Cells

Answer 23

Possess some functional receptors, and contact neurons at Nodes of Ranvier or via synaptic terminals. Some NG2 cells can even fire action potentials.

Question 24

Santiago Ramon y Cajal

Answer 24

Discovered that although neurons come very close together, they are not quite continuous with one another. Established the “Neuron Doctrine”

Question 25

Neuron Doctrine

Answer 25

1. Neurons and other brain cells are structurally, metabolically, and functionally independent.
2. Information is transmitted through synapses from neuron to neuron.