Semester 1 Final Exam Review

Front

What is the role of insulin in the body?

Back

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps lower blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Front

What is an action potential in neurons?

Back

An action potential is a rapid reversal of electrical charge across a neuron's membrane, allowing for the transmission of signals along the neuron.

Front

What is cerebrospinal fluid and its function?

Back

Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and serving diagnostic purposes.

Front

What happens to the sarcomere during muscle contraction?

Back

During muscle contraction, the sarcomere decreases in length, allowing muscles to shorten and generate force.

Front

What is the axon terminal and its significance?

Back

The axon terminal is the end part of a neuron that contains synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitters, crucial for neuron communication.

Front

What is glucagon and its function in the body?

Back

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from the liver.

Front

Define neurotransmitter.

Back

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another.

Front

What is the synaptic cleft?

Back

The synaptic cleft is the small gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another, where neurotransmitters are released.

Front

Explain the difference between the postsynaptic terminal and the presynaptic terminal.

Back

The postsynaptic terminal is the receiving end of a neuron that contains receptors for neurotransmitters, while the presynaptic terminal is the sending end that releases neurotransmitters.

Front

What is the function of the pancreas in blood sugar regulation?

Back

The pancreas regulates blood sugar levels by releasing insulin to lower blood sugar and glucagon to raise it.