Week 1; Nervous system and the resting membrane potential

Question 1

What are neurons ?

Answer 1

excitable cells that transmit electrical signals. they are used for communication via synapses.

Question 2

What are neuroglia ?

Answer 2

Supporting cells, more numerous than neurons

Question 3

5 parts in a neuron structure :

Answer 3

1. soma - cell body
2. dendrites - receive information
3. axons - send information as electrical signals (action potentials)
4. axon hillock - start of action potential
5. axon terminal - end, release neurotransmitters to communicate with other cells

Question 4

3 types of neurons and describe their structure

Answer 4

1. bipolar
2. unipolar
3. multipolar

Question 5

what is myelination ?

Answer 5

from Schwann and oligodendrocytes, insulates and protects axons

Question 6

4 basic principals of electrical activity:

Answer 6

1. opposite charges attract, same repel
2. seperating opposite charges requires energy
3. opposite charges are prevented from moving towards eachother using an insulator
4. through a conducter opposite can come together

Question 7

what is a voltage?

Answer 7

a seperation of opposite charges across a plasma membrane

Question 8

what are the voltages of resting membrane potential?

Answer 8

from -50mv to -100mv

Question 9

steps in resting membrane potential

Answer 9

1. potassium move to outside of the cell making the outside more negative and are attracted to positive charged
2. some potassium leaks back through
   - potential is when K coming out of cell equals K coming in and this is at -90mv
3. some sodium comes into the cell reduces negative -70mv
4. sodium potassium pump ensures concentration gradient is always available by pushing them against their gradient

Question 10

What is the point of the sodium potassium pump

Answer 10

ensures concentration gradient is always available by pushing them against their gradient