Nervous System

Question 1

Chemical synapses

Answer 1

“Traditional” synapse when you think of the word.

The small gap between the terminal button and either the dendrite of a subsequent neuron or the membrane of a muscle or other effector.

Question 2

Electrical synapses

Answer 2

Gap junctions between cells that allow for electrical signals to pass very quickly from cell to cell.

Only found in certain locations:

• the retina
• smooth muscle
• cardiac muscle
• the CNS

Question 3

Acetylcholinesterase

Answer 3

A specific enzyme that the synaptic cleft that breaks down acetylcholine.

Be prepared for questions about ACh inhibitors (antagonist) or activators (agonist).

What kind of effects would be seen if a drug were an Acetylcholinesterase agonist or antagonist?

Question 4

Glia

Answer 4

Neural support cells

• Schwann cells
• Oligodendrocytes
• Microglia
• Astrocytes

Question 5

Schwann Cells

Answer 5

Produce myelin in the PNS.

A glial cell.

Question 6

Oligodendrocytes

Answer 6

Myelin producing glial cell in the CNS.

Question 7

Astrocytes

Answer 7

Have a supportive and nourishing function for neurons.

Get in the way to prevent CNS tracts from healing in traumatic brain damage.

Question 8

Microglia

Answer 8

Glial cells that act as macrophages in the CNS.

Question 9

Interneurons

• what do they do
• how many are there (generally)

Answer 9

Connect afferent and efferent neurons.

Transfer and process signals.

The brain and 90% of all other neurons are interneurons.