Module 1.1

Question 1

Neurons

Answer 1

One of two type of cells in the nervous system. Neurons receive info and transmit it to other cells.

All neurons have a soma (cell body), and most have dendrites, axon, and presynaptic terminals.

Question 2

Membrane

Answer 2

Separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment. Most chemicals cannot cross the membrane. However, protein channels in the membrane allow for controlled flow of water, oxygen, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, etc.

Question 3

Nucleus

Answer 3

The structure in the cell that contains chromosomes. All animal cells have a nucleus except for mammalian red blood cells.

Question 4

Mitochondria

Answer 4

The structure of the cell that performs metabolic activities. Mitochondria has genes separate from the nucleus and they differ from eachother genetically.

Overactive mitochondria cause burning fuel rapidly and overheating. Under active mitochondria cause predisposition for depression and pain.

Question 5

Ribosomes

Answer 5

The sites within a cell that synthesizes new protein molecules.

Question 6

Endoplasmic reticulum

Answer 6

A network of thin tubes that transport newly synthesized proteins to other locations.

Question 7

Dendrite

Answer 7

The branching fibres that come off the soma. It’s surface is lined with synaptic receptors that receive info from other neurons. The more surface area, the more information it can receive.

Question 8

Soma

Answer 8

Cell body that contains the nucleus, ribosomes, and mitochondria.

Question 9

Axon

Answer 9

A thin fibre that conveys impulses towards other neurons, organs, or muscles. Can be more than a meter long.

Question 10

Presynaptic terminal

Answer 10

The bulb at the end of each axon branch. Where chemicals are released that cross from the neuron to another cell.

Question 11

Motor neuron

Answer 11

The soma is in the spinal cord. It receives excitation through its dendrites and conducts impulses along its axon to the muscle.

Question 12

Sensory neuron

Answer 12

Specialized at one end to be highly sensitive to one type of stimulation (light, sound, touch, etc).

Question 13

Myelin sheath

Answer 13

The insulating material around axons

Question 14

Nodes of ranvier

Question 15

Afferent axon

Answer 15

Brings information into a structure. Sensory neurons.

A for admit

Question 16

Efferent axon

Answer 16

Carries info away from a structured. Motor neurons.

E for exit

Question 17

Interneuron

Answer 17

The cell’s dendrites and axons are entirely contained within a single structure.

Question 18

Glia

Answer 18

Cells that enhance and modify the activity of neurons

Question 19

Astrocytes

Answer 19

They wrap around the synapses of axons that perform similar functions to help synchronize the neurons, and send messages in waves. This creates rhythms such a breathing.

Question 20

Microglia

Answer 20

Tiny cells that act as part of the immune system, removing fungi and virus’s from the brain. They proliferate after brain damage to remove dead or damaged nerves. They also remove weakest synapses.

Question 21

Oligodendrocytes

Question 22

Schwann cells

Answer 22

Glia cells in the periphery of the body that builds myelin sheath

Question 23

Radial glia

Answer 23

Guide the migration of neurons, axons, and dendrites during embryonic development.

Question 24

Blood- brain barrier

Answer 24

Keeps most chemicals from the vertebrate brain.
To prevent the immune system from killing off infected neurons, as they cannot be replaced like other cells in the body.
Some viruses that evade the blood-brain barrier infect the brain and lead to death (rabies). Others are controlled by the microglia but not eliminated (herpes).

Question 25

Santiago Ramón y Cajal

Answer 25

Discovered that the nervous system is composed of separate cells