EXAM 1 D1

What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system and its cells.

Why is Neuroscience considered a broad discipline?

It encompasses many subsets and subdisciplines, allowing for significant advancements through collaboration.

What is the role of the nervous system in the body?

It integrates the entire body by translating physical energy into action potentials.

What are the main components of the nervous system?

The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (cranial and spinal nerves).

What is the significance of mistakes in neuroscience?

Mistakes often lead to new ideas and theories, driving scientific progress.

What was Aristotle's belief about the brain?

He believed the brain was a cooling mechanism for hot blood.

What is localization of function in the brain?

The concept that specific brain regions are responsible for particular functions.

What did the Neuron Doctrine propose?

That neurons are not physically connected but separated by empty spaces.

What is the all-or-nothing property of action potentials?

Once the threshold of excitation is met, an action potential will always be triggered at the same amplitude.

What is the difference between spatial and temporal summation?

Spatial summation involves multiple inputs arriving simultaneously from different locations, while temporal summation involves repeated inputs from a single location in rapid succession.

What are the main types of glial cells?

Astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes.

What is the function of the Sodium-Potassium pump?

It helps maintain the polar environment of the neuron by exchanging sodium ions out and potassium ions into the cell.

What is action potential?

A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage across a cellular membrane, which propagates signals down the axon.

What occurs during the refractory period?

The neuron cannot generate another action potential regardless of stimulation during the absolute refractory period.

What is the role of vesicles in synapses?

Vesicles in terminal buttons contain neurotransmitters that transmit signals across synapses.

What neurotransmitter is often associated with inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs)?

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

What is the significance of dendritic spine plasticity?

Dendritic spines can grow and retract, influencing synaptic connections and neural plasticity.

What is the relationship between action potentials and stimulus strength?

The frequency of action potentials encodes stimulus strength, not the size of individual action potentials.

What do Golgi stains reveal?

Golgi stains allow visualization of individual neurons, helping to differentiate different neuron types and structures.

What is the primary function of astrocytes?

Astrocytes support neuronal function and maintain cellular homeostasis by facilitating nutrient exchange and waste removal.

What differentiates excitatory from inhibitory postsynaptic potentials?

Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) increase the likelihood of an action potential, while inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) decrease it.

How do ion channels function during an action potential?

Voltage-gated ion channels open or close in response to voltage changes, allowing ions to move and change the membrane potential.