Neuro

Question 1

Give the meaning of the term ‘ventral’ in the cerebrum.

Answer 1

Inferior

Question 2

Give the meaning of the term ‘dorsal’ in the cerebrum.

Answer 2

Superior

Question 3

What is the lentiform nucleus formed of?

Answer 3

Putamen and globus pallidus

Question 4

Which cranial nerves develop from neural crest cells?

Answer 4

V, VII, IX, X

Question 5

What is meant by ‘tonic’?

Answer 5

Continuous

Question 6

What structures stain with luxor fast blue?

Answer 6

Myelin

Question 7

What structures stain with cresol violet?

Answer 7

Nissl (RER)

Question 8

What are the main components of myelin?

Answer 8

Lipid (70%)

Protein (30%)

Question 9

What is the soma of a neurone?

Answer 9

Cell body

Question 10

What are the functions of astrocytes?

Answer 10

• Regulate composition of extracellular fluid
• Stimulate the formation of tight junctions to form the blood brain barrier
• Help form the blood brain barrier
• Provide metabolic support to neurons

Question 11

What are radial and muller glia?

Answer 11

Radial glia are crucial in guiding developing neurons.
Muller glia are radial glia of the retina.

• These are both types of astrocytes.

Question 12

What are bergmann glia?

Answer 12

Astrocytes found in the cerebellum.

Question 13

What are some important features of the blood brain barrier?

Answer 13

Endothelial tight junctions
Astrocytic end feet
Pericytes
Continuous basement membrane
Requires specific transporters for substances

Question 14

What are the parts of the brain called which lack a blood brain barrier?
Give an example of one.

Answer 14

Circumventricular organs

Posterior pituitary

Question 15

How do the ventricles communicate with the subarachnoid space?

Answer 15

Via cisterns

Question 16

How does the subarachnoid space communicate with dural venous sinuses?

Answer 16

Arachnoid granulations (villi)

Question 17

What is the typical resting potential of a neurone?

Answer 17

-70mv

Question 18

What three ways can a neurotransmitter be inactivated?

Answer 18

• Diffusion away from the synapse
• Active reuptake by the presynaptic neuron
• Enzyme hydrolysis

Question 19

What is the difference between adrenaline and noradrenaline?

Answer 19

Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter

Adrenaline is a hormone

Question 20

What is ACh made from?

Answer 20

Choline and acetyl-CoA

Question 21

What is the difference between nicotinic and muscarinic ACh receptors?

Answer 21

Nicotinic = ion channel
Muscarinic = G-protein coupled receptor

Question 22

What is the role of serotonin?

Answer 22

Has an excitatory effect on pathways that mediate sensations.

Question 23

What is the main excitatory neurotransmitter?

Answer 23

Glutamate

Question 24

What is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter?

Answer 24

GABA

Question 25

What type of joint is between the bones of the ossicular chain?

Answer 25

Synovial joints

Question 26

What neurotransmitter is released by hair cells of the organ of Corti?

Answer 26

Glutamate

Question 27

Describe the auditory pathway.

Answer 27

Spiral ganglion > cochlear nucleus > superior olivary nucleus > inferior colliculus (inferior brachium) > medial geniculate body > internal capsule > primary auditory cortex (temporal lobe)

Question 28

What is the cupula?

Answer 28

The mass containing the hair cells in the ampulla of the semicircular canals.

Question 29

Describe nystagmus.

Answer 29

Slow phase towards damaged/stimulated side. | Rapid reset away from damaged/stimulated side.

Question 30

Name the otolithic organs.

Answer 30

Utricle & Saccule

Question 31

Which structure in the eye produces aqueous humour?

Answer 31

Ciliary body

Question 32

Which structure in the eye produces vitreous humour?

Answer 32

Retina

Question 33

Which area of the retina gives the best visual acuity?

Answer 33

Fovea centralis, which is surrounded by the macula lutea.

Question 34

What are the three layers of the tear film?

Answer 34

Anterior lipid layer Middle aqueous layer Posterior mucous layer

Question 35

Which cortex of the brain is located above and below the calcarine sulcus?

Answer 35

Primary visual cortex