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Nervous Systems in General Biology

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  • What is the primary role of a neuron?
    To receive and transmit electrical signals.
  • Name the main structural parts of a neuron.
    Cell body, dendrites, and one long axon.
  • How do neurons transmit signals at synapses?
    Electrically excited presynaptic terminals release neurotransmitters that may excite the postsynaptic cell.
  • What determines the charge inside a neuron during excitation?
    Movement of ions across the membrane.
  • What is the refractory period in neurons?
    The time between action potentials that sets the maximum frequency and ensures one-way propagation.
  • How is the speed of action potential propagation increased?
    By larger axon diameter and myelin insulation.
  • What type of nervous system do cnidarians have?
    A diffuse nerve net.
  • What is cephalization?
    Concentration of the nervous system into a brain in bilaterally symmetrical animals.
  • What structures make up the central nervous system (CNS)?
    The brain and spinal cord.
  • What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS) composed of?
    Ganglia and nerves outside the CNS.
  • What are the two main types of neurons in the PNS?
    Afferent neurons (sensory) and efferent neurons (motor).
  • What are the divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
    Sympathetic (arousal), parasympathetic (calming), and enteric (digestion).
  • What is the function of the spinal cord?
    Carries impulses to and from the brain and mediates reflexes.
  • What is the difference between gray and white matter in the CNS?
    Gray matter is non-myelinated; white matter is myelinated.
  • What fluid fills the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord?
    Cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions and transports nutrients and waste.
  • Name the three embryonic brain regions and their adult derivatives.
    Forebrain (cerebrum, diencephalon), midbrain (brainstem), hindbrain (pons, medulla, cerebellum).
  • What is the role of the cerebellum?
    Coordinates movement and hand-eye coordination.
  • What functions are associated with the diencephalon?
    Homeostasis, sensory coordination, and circadian rhythms.
  • What is the cerebral cortex responsible for?
    Information processing, decision making, and controlling voluntary actions.
  • What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex?
    Frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes.
  • What is lateralization in the brain?
    Functional differences between the left and right hemispheres.
  • How does the brain change after formation to support learning and memory?
    Through neural plasticity involving synapse strengthening, neuron die-off, and synapse reconfiguration.
  • What is long-term potentiation?
    A process where frequent synaptic excitation increases postsynaptic sensitivity.