Biology 107

 

Study Guide: Nervous system II.

Chapter 48

 

  1. What are the components of the synapse?  How might the structure of an electrical synapse differ from a chemical synapse?  What are the steps that lead to the release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic cell?
  2. What is the difference between an IPSP and an EPSP?  Which ions might mediate each type of postsynaptic potential?  What are the types of summation?  How do EPSPs and IPSPs contribute to a neuron ÒdecidingÓ to fire?
  3. What are the criteria for a chemical to be considered a neurotransmitter?  What does it mean for a neurotransmitter to be excitatory or inhibitory?  What neurotransmitter functions at the neuromuscular junction?  What is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter?  What is the most common neurotransmitter in the brain?  What are  some of the important functions of glutamatergic synapses
  4. What are the components of the CNS and of the PNS?  How is the PNS organized?  You should know the divisions of the peripheral nervous system (Figure 48.17), and have a general understanding of Figure 48.18.  (You do not need to memorize all of the effects of the parasympathetic system vs the sympathetic system, but realize that the sympathetic system tends to mobilize the bodyÕs resources and prepares the body for action while the parasympathetic system tends toward conservation and storage of energy).
  5. What are the basic functions of each of the following regions of the brain:  the medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebrum.
  6. Where are the primary motor cortex and the primary sensory cortex located?  What types of signals does the primary sensory cortex receive?  What does the amount of primary sensory cortex or primary motor cortex dedicated to a specific area of the body say about how sensitive an area might be or how fine-tuned the motor skills of an area will be?
  7. What is the difference between long-term memory and short-term memory?  Which requires permanent changes to occur in synapses?  What are LTD and LTP?  What causes LTP to occur?