Neuroscience Fundamentals Flashcards
6 cards from real Biology Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Neuroscience Fundamentals flashcards as text
What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?
Answer: Neuron
Neurons are specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the nervous system, forming the basis of all neural communication.
What is the function of the myelin sheath?
Answer: To insulate nerve fibers and speed up signal transmission
The myelin sheath is a fatty insulating layer that wraps around axons, dramatically increasing the speed of electrical signal conduction through saltatory conduction.
What happens at a synapse?
Answer: Chemical neurotransmitters transmit signals between neurons
At a synapse, electrical signals trigger the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron across the synaptic cleft, binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.
Which part of the brain is responsible for voluntary movement?
Answer: Motor cortex (frontal lobe)
The motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, plans and executes voluntary movements by sending signals down the spinal cord to muscles.
What is a neurotransmitter?
Answer: A chemical messenger that transmits signals across synapses
Neurotransmitters are chemical substances (like dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine) released by neurons to transmit signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
What is neuroplasticity?
Answer: The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections
Neuroplasticity is the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize its structure and function by forming new neural pathways, allowing adaptation to new experiences, learning, and recovery from injury.