Neuroscience Quiz 3: Synaptic Transmission, Neurotransmitters & Brain

What is the destination of an Action Potential (AP) in synaptic transmission?

The synapse

What is the role of the presynaptic neuron?

It sends the communication.

What is the role of the postsynaptic neuron?

It receives the communication.

What triggers the release of neurotransmitters from the terminal button?

The arrival of the Action Potential (AP).

How many types of neurotransmitters can an individual neuron carry?

1 to 3 types.

What happens to neurotransmitters when a vesicle tears open?

They spill into the synapse.

What is the function of receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron?

They bind with neurotransmitters.

What is the effect of an excitatory neurotransmitter?

It depolarizes the receiving neuron, increasing the chance of an Action Potential (AP) occurring.

What is the effect of an inhibitory neurotransmitter?

It polarizes the receiving neuron, decreasing the chance of an Action Potential (AP) occurring.

What are the two main ways neurotransmitters are removed from the synapse?

Reuptake and degradation.

What is reuptake in the context of neurotransmission?

The reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic neuron.

What is degradation in neurotransmission?

The chemical breakdown of neurotransmitters by enzymes from the postsynaptic neuron.

What is the role of acetylcholine in the brain?

It is involved in memory and muscle activation.

What happens to acetylcholine levels in Alzheimer's disease?

There is a decrease in acetylcholine, leading to more memory loss.

What is dopamine associated with?

Pleasure, voluntary movement, and addiction.

What are the consequences of low dopamine levels?

Parkinson's disease, characterized by tremors and difficulty controlling movement.

What are the consequences of high dopamine levels?

Schizophrenia, which includes symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

What is serotonin's role in the brain?

Regulation of mood, sleep, and appetite.

What are SSRIs and their function?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors that increase serotonin availability by blocking reuptake.

What are endorphins responsible for?

Blocking pain and creating a feeling of euphoria.

What is the effect of opioids on neurotransmitter receptors?

They interact with the same receptor sites as endorphins.

What is naloxone used for?

To reverse opioid overdose by attaching to opioid receptors.

What is the central core of the brain responsible for?

Regulating primitive behaviors necessary for survival.

What functions does the medulla control?

Basic life functions such as breathing, swallowing, and blood circulation.

What is the cerebellum's primary function?

Coordination of voluntary movements and balance.

What is muscle memory?

The ability to perform movements automatically after sufficient practice.

What happens when an athlete 'chokes'?

They stop relying on muscle memory and begin to think and act like a beginner.

What condition affects balance due to damaged neurons in the cerebellum?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

What is the role of the thalamus?

It acts as a relay center for sensory information, directing sensory nerves to the appropriate cortex.

What is synesthesia?

A rare condition where sensory nerves are crossed, causing experiences like seeing numbers as colors.

What does the reticular formation control?

Arousal and the focus of attention on stimuli in the environment.

What is the 'cocktail party phenomenon'?

The ability to focus on a specific stimulus, like hearing your name in a noisy environment.

What is the main function of the hypothalamus?

Regulates basic survival drives and maintains homeostasis.

What are the '4 Es' controlled by the hypothalamus?

Feeding, fighting, fleeing, and mating.

What happens when the hunger center of the hypothalamus is damaged?

The individual may not eat and could starve.

What is the function of the hippocampus?

Stores new material and distributes it into long-term memory.

What is the significance of dopamine in the brain?

It is released in response to pleasurable activities and is involved in the brain's reward pathways.

What is the cerebrum responsible for?

Higher intellectual functioning, including memory, thought, and language.

What are the two types of matter in the cerebral cortex?

Gray matter (cell bodies and unmyelinated neurons) and white matter (myelinated neurons).

What connects the two hemispheres of the brain?

The corpus callosum.

What is the primary function of the frontal lobe?

Regulates the limbic system and is involved in executive functioning.

What is Broca's area responsible for?

Speech production; damage results in difficulty expressing thoughts.

What does Wernicke's area control?

Speech comprehension; damage leads to nonsensical speech and difficulty understanding language.

What is the primary function of the occipital lobe?

Processing visual information.

What does the primary somatosensory cortex control?

Sensory experiences like temperature, touch, and pain.

How does experience affect the amount of cortex devoted to body parts?

The amount can be modified by experience, not just the size of the body part.

What is the role of the amygdala?

Detects threats and is involved in emotional responses, particularly fear.

What is the impact of stress hormones released by the hypothalamus?

They activate the sympathetic nervous system, preparing the body for 'fight or flight.'

What does the term 'sleep inertia' refer to?

The period of time between waking up and being fully awake.

What is the relationship between the left and right hemispheres of the brain?

The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and is associated with language, while the right hemisphere controls the left side and is linked to creativity.

What are the primary auditory and visual areas responsible for?

Processing sound and vision, respectively.

What is the significance of the 'weight set point' in the hypothalamus?

It is the weight your body fights to defend, affecting metabolism and weight loss efforts.