Neuron Quiz

What is a neuron? 

• an electrically excitable cell that communicates with other cells via specialized connections called synapses.

• the positively charged central core of an atom, consisting of protons and neutrons and containing nearly all its mass.

• a rigid layer of polysaccharides lying outside the plasma membrane of the cells of plants, fungi, and bacteria. In the algae and higher plants it consists mainly of cellulose.

• an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord

What is the difference between the myelin sheath and the axon terminals?

• An axon terminal contains various neurotransmitters that are released at the small gap between two communicating neurons

• Dendrites receive electrochemical impulses from other neurons, and carry them inwards and towards the soma, while axons carry the impulses away from the soma

• The axonal terminals are specialized to release the neurotransmitters of the presynaptic cell

• An axon is insulated by a myelin sheath throughout its length to increase the velocity of these electrical signals allowing signals to propagate quickly.

Define a term used to describe a thin fiber that extends from a neuron or nerve cell, that is responsible for helping with sensory perception or movement?

What role do dendrites play in the brain?

• carry chemical signals (“messages”) from one neuron (nerve cell) to the next target cell.

• provides tensile strength and protection against mechanical and osmotic stress

• receive communications from other cells

• allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells

What is the purpose of the synapse in the nervous system? 

• allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells.

• allows a signal to pass from one neuron to the next

• receive communications from other cells

• provides tensile strength and protection against mechanical and osmotic stress.

What are the sections of the brain?

True/False The brain has 6 lobes?

• True

• False

What is the primary function of the frontal lobe?

• voluntary movement, expressive language and for managing higher level executive functions

• processing somatosensory information from the body

• processing auditory information and with the encoding of memory

• visual perception, including colour, form and motion

Why is the cerebellum important?

True/False The Reticular activating system controls attention, sleep, and arousal?*

• True

• False