Exam 8: Neurons: the Matter of the Mind

________ is a progressive brain disease in which the dopamine-producing neurons in the movement control center of the brain die.

A(n) ________, or afferent, neuron conducts information toward the brain and spinal cord.

When traveling down the neuron, which of the following parts of the neuron does the action potential pass through before the axon?

Which type of cell found in the nervous system is the most numerous?

Ouabain is a chemical used on poison arrows in Africa. It works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump. What effect does this chemical have on an action potential?

What is the function of the myelin sheath in the nervous system?

Infants require many nutrients early in life, including lipids such as fats. A low-fat diet for infants is not recommended because, among other things, it can affect the development of the nervous system. Why does the developing nervous system need lipids?

Sodium and potassium ions cross the neuron's membrane to cause which of the following processes?

________ are numerous short, branching projections from the neuron that create a huge surface for receiving signals from other cells.

Which of the following parts of the nervous system is closest to a muscle?

Axons and dendrites of individual neurons, arranged in bundles and covered by connective tissue, make up ________.

Which type of neuron is found only in the brain and spinal cord?

The specialized membrane proteins that actively transport sodium and potassium ions across the plasma membrane are known as the ________.

Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder in which fat deposits build up in nerve cells of the brain, leading to a slow loss of function. Because this disease usually strikes children under 1 year of age, the symptoms are not immediately apparent. Think about the symptoms that this condition would cause. List some that you think are possible. What would be the inevitable end result as the disease progresses?

Inhaling or "huffing" is a way to achieve a high, usually by breathing in a fat-soluble substance. Which of the following structures would be most likely attacked first?

In the disease myasthenia gravis, the immune system attacks the receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. A drug is used to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which normally removes the neurotransmitter. This improves the condition of the patient. How does this work?

Explain the anatomy of a typical neuron.

Your classmate does not have much muscle strength. Her doctor says she has an autoimmune disease, but you didn't quite catch the name the physician gave for the illness. Based on what you have learned, what do you think the diagnosis is?

In saltatory conduction, nerve impulses jump from one exposed region of the axon to another. This exposed region is called the ________.