Lecture 4- Intro to NS

Question 1

Neurons definition

Answer 1

• can regenerate and communicate

85 billion in the brain

Question 2

Glial cells

Answer 2

• non-neuronal
• astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, schwann cells

Question 3

Neuron nucleus function

Answer 3

contains genetic material (DNA)

Question 4

Node of ranvier and myelin sheath and axon hillock

Answer 4

• NOR- acceleration
• Myelin sheath- insulation
• Axon hillock- last segment where information can be integrated

Question 5

Synapses/synaptic space

Answer 5

• Synapses are where connections with other neurons occurs
• The synaptic space is 1/10,000th of an inch

Question 6

The discovery of neurotransmitters

Answer 6

• Otto Loewi’s Nobel prize winning experiement (1920)
• Chemicals in fluid contained messengers that caused changes in nuscle contraction in disconnected heart
• loewi called this chemical “vagusstof”- later called acetylcholine

Question 7

What household item are neurons like and why?

Answer 7

• Neurons are like small batteries because they can store an electrical charge ( a capacitor)
• In basal state (resting membrane potential) neurons are hyperpolarized (negatively charge)
• Neurons have a cell membrane w a relative charge inside the cell and a relative charge outside the cell

Question 8

How do neurons transmit information?

Answer 8

• Generating electrical changes (voltage) in one part of the cell in response to chemical changes in the environment
• Conducting these elextrical changes (voltage) to distant parts of the cell
• Releasing chemical signals on to neighboring neurons (axon terminals)
• These are called neurotransmitters and are part of the chemical environment for the next cell