Exam 2 Flashcards
Which process involves the formation of connections between neurons as axons and dendrites extend?
Synaptogenesis
Which receptor type directly changes its ion permeability upon binding a neurotransmitter?
Ionotropic receptor
In the developing neural tube, where does the mitosis of progenitor cells primarily occur?
In the ventricular zone
Which neurotransmitter is known as the brain’s primary inhibitory chemical?
GABA
The nervous system originates from which embryonic germ layer?
Ectoderm
What is the “reuptake” in synaptic transmission?
It is the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic neuron
Which of the following factors have been shown to enhance adult hippocampal neurogenesis?
Environment enrichment
Cognitive training
Exercise
Which factors influence a drug’s pharmacokinetics?
Metabolism by the liver
Route of administration
Excretion via the kidneys
Enzymatic degradation
Reuptake
Exocytosis
-Breakdown of neurotransmitters by enzymes
-Reabsorption of neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron
-Neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft
In a dose-response curve, the ED50 is defined as:
The dose at which a drug produces 50% of its maximal effect
Alzheimer’s disease is simply the inevitable result of normal aging and shows no distinct pathological changes in the brain.
False
Which statement best described the role of synaptic vesicles in neurotransmission?
They store neurotransmitters and release them via exocytosis
Metabotropic receptors directly open ion channels when activated.
False
Apoptosis
Synaptogenesis
Neurogenesis
-The programmed cell death that helps refine neural circuits
-The formation of synaptic connections between neurons
-The process by which new neurons are generated from progenitor cells
Which environmental factors can influence gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms?
Diet
Stress
Maternal care
Methylation
Genotype
Epigenetics
-A chemical modification of DNA that generally reduces gene expression
-The complete set of genetic information inherited by an individual
-The study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence
The human brain continues to refine its synaptic connections - through processes like pruning - well into adolescence, which helps improve cognitive efficiency.
True
What structure forms when the neural groove closes during early embryonic development?
Neural tube
Which neurotransmitters are classified as amino acid transmitters?
Glutamate
GABA
Glycine
What is the primary role of neurotrophic factors during neural development?
They “feed” neurons and promote their survival
Which of the following represents the correct sequence of cellular events during early brain development?
Neurogenesis, cell migration, cell differentiation, synaptogenesis, neuronal cell death, synapse rearrangement
Which statement best explains the concept of drug tolerance?
Repeated exposure can lead to decreased receptor sensitivity or receptor number
Benzodiazepines relieve anxiety by acting on which receptor?
GABAA receptor
The “sensitive period” in visual development refers to:
A developmental window when visual experience strongly and permanently shapes the visual cortex
Dopamine
Serotonin (5-HT)
Acetylcholine (ACh)
-Plays a key role in motor control and reward
-Involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite
-Functions in both the peripheral nervous system (neuromuscular junction) and brain
Selective reuptake inhibitors (e.g., SSRIs) increase neurotransmitter concentration in the synaptic cleft by blocking reuptake.
True
What is the primary function of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels at the axon terminal?
They open to allow calcium influx that triggers vesicle fusion
What role does the nucleus accumbens play in the brain?
It is a central part of the reward system, involved in processing pleasure
Which term describes the activity-dependent process that eliminates the excess synapses while strengthening others?
Synapse rearrangment (synaptic pruning)
Amblyopia is best described as:
A reduction in visual acuity due to abnormal visual experience during a sensitive developmental period
