Neuroscience Fundamentals - Brain Anatomy & Neurotransmitters Flashcards

Question 1

What is a Neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

A Neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that transmits signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron to another target neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.

Question 2

What is the primary function of the Cerebrum?

Accepted Answer

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions such as thought, voluntary movement, language, reasoning, perception, and memory. It is divided into two hemispheres.

Question 3

Identify the main function of the Frontal Lobe.

Accepted Answer

The Frontal Lobe is crucial for planning, decision-making, problem-solving, voluntary motor control, personality, and executive functions.

Question 4

What are the key roles of the Parietal Lobe?

Accepted Answer

The Parietal Lobe processes sensory information from the body, including touch, temperature, pain, and pressure. It also plays a role in spatial awareness and navigation.

Question 5

Describe the primary functions of the Temporal Lobe.

Accepted Answer

The Temporal Lobe is involved in processing auditory information, memory formation, language comprehension (Wernicke's area), and emotion.

Question 6

What is the main function of the Occipital Lobe?

Accepted Answer

The Occipital Lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information, including color, form, and motion.

Question 7

What is the primary role of the Cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

The Cerebellum is vital for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, posture, motor learning, and fine-tuning motor activity.

Question 8

Name the three main components of the Brainstem and their overall function.

Accepted Answer

The Brainstem consists of the Midbrain, Pons, and Medulla Oblongata. It regulates vital involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, sleep, consciousness, and relays sensory and motor information between the cerebrum/cerebellum and the spinal cord.

Question 9

What is the function of the Thalamus?

Accepted Answer

The Thalamus acts as a major relay station for sensory information (except smell) from the body to the cerebral cortex, and also plays a role in motor control and consciousness.

Question 10

Describe the key functions of the Hypothalamus.

Accepted Answer

The Hypothalamus is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep-wake cycles, and controlling the pituitary gland (endocrine system).

Question 11

What is the function of the Corpus Callosum?

Accepted Answer

The Corpus Callosum is a large bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres, allowing them to communicate and share information.

Question 12

Define a Neuron and its basic components.

Accepted Answer

A Neuron is the fundamental unit of the nervous system, specialized for transmitting electrical and chemical signals. Its basic components are the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon.

Question 13

What is the function of Dendrites?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites are tree-like extensions of the neuron that receive incoming signals (neurotransmitters) from other neurons and transmit them towards the cell body.

Question 14

What is the function of an Axon?

Accepted Answer

An Axon is a long, slender projection that transmits electrical impulses (action potentials) away from the neuron's cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Question 15

What is the role of the Myelin Sheath?

Accepted Answer

The Myelin Sheath is a fatty insulating layer that surrounds many axons, increasing the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission.

Question 16

Define a Synapse and its key components.

Accepted Answer

A Synapse is the specialized junction where one neuron communicates with another neuron or target cell. It consists of the presynaptic terminal (sending neuron), synaptic cleft (gap), and postsynaptic membrane (receiving neuron).

Question 17

Explain what an Action Potential is and the key ions involved.

Accepted Answer

An Action Potential is a rapid, transient, all-or-none electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron. It is primarily driven by the influx of $Na^+$ ions (depolarization) and efflux of $K^+$ ions (repolarization) across the neuronal membrane.

Question 18

What is the primary role of Acetylcholine (ACh)?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh) is involved in muscle contraction (neuromuscular junction), learning, memory, and attention. It is a key neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Question 19

Describe the main functions of Dopamine (DA).

Accepted Answer

Dopamine (DA) plays crucial roles in reward, motivation, pleasure, motor control, and executive functions. Imbalances are linked to Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

Question 20

What are the key roles of Serotonin (5-HT)?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin (5-HT) influences mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, learning, and memory. Low levels are often associated with depression and anxiety.

Question 21

What is the primary function of GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)?

Accepted Answer

GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, reducing neuronal excitability and promoting relaxation. It plays a role in anxiety regulation and sleep.

Question 22

What is the primary function of Glutamate?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, crucial for learning, memory formation, and synaptic plasticity. Excessive levels can be neurotoxic.

Question 23

What are the main functions of Norepinephrine (NE)?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE), also known as noradrenaline, is involved in the 'fight-or-flight' response, alertness, arousal, attention, and mood regulation. It acts as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone.

Question 24

What is the role of Endorphins?

Accepted Answer

Endorphins are natural opioid peptides that act as pain suppressors (analgesics) and create feelings of euphoria or well-being, often released during exercise, excitement, or stress.

Neuroscience Fundamentals - Brain Anatomy & Neurotransmitters

Card Preview

Related Flashcard Sets

Classical Mechanics - Newtonian Laws & Energy Conservation

General Pharmacology - Pharmacodynamics & Pharmacokinetics

Cell Biology - Cellular Structure & Function

CFA Level 1 - Equity Investments & Portfolio Management