Neuroscience Quiz Review Flashcards

Question-and-Answer flashcards covering synaptic transmission, neuron anatomy, CNS functional anatomy, cortical lobes, language areas, brainstem and midbrain structures, limbic system, endocrine axes, and neurological diseases.

Through which two neuron parts does information primarily enter a neuron?

Dendrites and the cell body (soma).

Which part of a neuron initiates and conducts the action potential?

The axon hillock.

Where are axon terminals located and what do they contain?

At the ends of axons; they contain neurotransmitter-filled vesicles that can form synapses with other cells.

What is myelin and how does it affect action potential conduction?

Myelin is glial cell wrapping around an axon; it increases conduction speed—thicker or longer myelin sheaths lead to faster action potentials.

Define an action potential.

An electrical signal that starts at the axon hillock, travels down the axon, and triggers neurotransmitter release at the terminals.

Which two ions primarily move across the axon membrane during an action potential?

Sodium (Na⁺) entering and potassium (K⁺) exiting.

What term describes the gap where neurotransmitters are released between neurons?

The synapse.

What do the terms presynaptic and postsynaptic refer to?

Presynaptic = the neuron releasing neurotransmitter; postsynaptic = the cell receiving the signal.

What binds to receptors in the neuron membrane to influence the likelihood of an action potential?

Neurotransmitters from other neurons.

Which lobe houses the primary motor cortex?

The frontal lobe (specifically the precentral gyrus).

Where is the prefrontal cortex located and what is its primary role?

In the anterior portion of the frontal lobe; it handles executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and impulse control.

Which lobe contains the primary somatosensory cortex?

The parietal lobe.

Which lobe contains the primary visual cortex?

The occipital lobe.

Which lobe contains the primary auditory cortex?

The temporal lobe.

Name the three major fissures that separate cerebral lobes/hemispheres.

Longitudinal fissure, central sulcus, and lateral (Sylvian) fissure.

What principle explains why the right cortex largely controls the left side of the body?

Contralateral control/processing.

In which hemisphere are Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas typically located?

The left hemisphere.

Which lobe and function are associated with Broca’s area?

Frontal lobe; speech production and language expression.

Which lobe and function are associated with Wernicke’s area?

Temporal lobe; language comprehension.

List the three parts of the brainstem from caudal to rostral.

Medulla, pons, midbrain.

What vital functions are controlled by the medulla?

Respiration, heart rate, and other critical reflexes.

Which brainstem structure contains nuclei involved in sleep and REM?

The pons.

What two sensory structures are found in the midbrain tectum and what do they process?

Superior colliculi (visual processing) and inferior colliculi (auditory processing).

Which midbrain motor structure degenerates in Parkinson’s disease?

The substantia nigra, a dopamine-producing part of the basal ganglia.

What are the chief functions of the cerebellum?

Coordination of movement, balance, and motor learning.

What is the primary role of the thalamus?

Relay station for most sensory information to the cortex.

Name at least four drive-related or homeostatic functions regulated by the hypothalamus.

Feeding, drinking, temperature regulation, sexual behavior, autonomic nervous system control, sleep/wake rhythms, endocrine control via pituitary.

Which limbic structure is essential for forming new memories?

The hippocampus (with its fiber tract, the fornix).

Which limbic structure is crucial for emotional regulation, especially fear?

The amygdala.

What is the main function of the corpus callosum?

It is a large fiber tract that connects the two cerebral hemispheres for interhemispheric communication.

Which endocrine gland controlled by the hypothalamus secretes many tropic hormones?

The pituitary gland.

Which gland regulates circadian rhythms through melatonin release?

The pineal gland.

Outline the steps of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Hypothalamus releases CRH → pituitary releases ACTH → adrenal cortex releases cortisol → cortisol exerts negative feedback on hypothalamus and pituitary.

Which neurotransmitter is principally lost in Parkinson’s disease and from which brain region?

Dopamine from the substantia nigra.

Which brain regions are most affected in Alzheimer’s disease?

Hippocampus and widespread cortical areas leading to memory and cognitive deficits.