Exam 2: Computing With Neurons

Section 2.1 describes a debate going on between scientists about the organization of the nervous system. Which of these questions best characterizes this debate?

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement. -__________ is generally observed when GABA is the neurotransmitter

How is information transmitted from neuron to neuron? After a signal crosses a synapse, place the following structures in order of their involvement using the numbers 1 to 6. ________________ axon ______________ dendrite ________________ synapse ________________ axon hillock ________________ cell body ________________ axon terminal

In a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), some neurons are between 50-100 feet long. This presents a technical obstacle - for example a USB cable can't be longer than about 20-30 feet long because the electrical signal becomes too diminished to be useful after that distance. How can action potentials travel these great distances (and in certain dinosaurs, even greater distances - up to 150 feet!) and still reliably convey information from one point to another?

At rest, the membrane of the cell is slightly permeable to ___________________, the positively charged ion that is most responsible for setting the resting membrane potential.

Match each scientist to the idea proposed by writing in one of the following names in the blank. -________________ Using sheep brains and the Golgi stain, made detailed drawings of the cells in the brain

Which of the following findings support the neuron doctrine?

Assume ions A and B are both positively charged. Extracellular [A] is 10X intracellular [A]. The neuronal membrane is permeable only to ion B. After B is added to the extracellular solution, which of the following would you expect to be true?

Match each scientist to the idea proposed by writing in one of the following names in the blank. -________________ Created a method of staining neurons so they could be seen under a microscope

Which of the following is most critical in maintaining a neuron's resting membrane potential?

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement. -__________ initiates an action potential when critical threshold is reached

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement. -__________ post synaptic cell is hyperpolarized

Consider two potassium solutions separated by a cation-permeable membrane. Solution 1 is 450 mM, and solution 2 is 50 mM. Calculate the voltage difference across the membrane at room temperature.

Which of the following does NOT accurately describe an action potential?

You perform a histology experiment and find that a neuron has a relatively small dendritic arbor and seems to project to adjacent cells. You might classify this cells as a

Most synapses in the central nervous system use __________________ as the neurotransmitter.

A toxin produces paralysis in muscles. Nerve conduction appears to be normal. It is most likely that the toxin is

Santiago Ramon y Cajal's contributions to science included which of the following?

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement. -__________ involves passive transport of sodium ions

The text describes how Santiago Ramon y Cajal determined that cells were "functionally polarized". Which of the following statements most accurately restates this term?