Nervous System Flashcards
6 cards from real Anatomy and Physiology practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Nervous System flashcards as text
What is the term for the gap between two neurons at a synapse?
Answer: Synaptic cleft
The synaptic cleft is the narrow fluid-filled space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes where neurotransmitters diffuse.
Which part of the brain controls balance, coordination, and fine motor movement?
Answer: Cerebellum
The cerebellum, located at the posterior base of the brain, coordinates voluntary motor movements, balance, and muscle tone.
What type of neuron carries signals from sensory receptors toward the central nervous system?
Answer: Afferent neuron
Afferent (sensory) neurons transmit signals from peripheral sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord for processing.
What is the resting membrane potential of a typical neuron?
Answer: -70 mV
The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is approximately -70 millivolts, maintained by the sodium-potassium pump and selective membrane permeability.
Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for muscle activation at the neuromuscular junction?
Answer: Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction, binding to nicotinic receptors to initiate muscle contraction.
What is the name of the myelin-producing cells in the central nervous system?
Answer: Oligodendrocytes
Oligodendrocytes produce the myelin sheaths that insulate axons in the CNS, with each cell capable of myelinating multiple axon segments.