EXAM 3 BIOLOGY 109 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
meningitis - ANSWER-inflammation of the meninges caused by viral or bacterial
infection
rabies - ANSWER-infectious viral disease, spread by bite or saliva of infected
animal, virus spreads from bite to brain via sensory neurons
epilepsy - ANSWER-recurring episodes of abnormal electrical activity (seizures)
alzheimers disease - ANSWER-shortage of acetylcholine; accumulation of abnormal
protein, beta amyloid; Progressive memory lapses and dementia
parkinson's disease - ANSWER-loss od dopamine- releasing neurons; progressive
degenerative disorder affecting motor activity
3 parts of a neuron and their functions - ANSWER-1. cell body: main part of cell, has
the nucleus and most of the cytoplasm and organelles
2. dendrites: small slender extentions of the cell body, receiving incoming info and
convey towards the cell body
3. axon: long slender extension, specialized to conduct electrical impulses away from
the cell body towards another neuron or effect
what is a synaptic terminal? - ANSWER-an axon ends in a cluster of branches, each
with a bulb-like synaptic terminal that relays signals to another neuron or an effector
across a synapse
what is the myelin sheath? - ANSWER-wraps around neuron (like insulation) carries
nerve impulses faster (myelin rich in fat, appears glossy white)
What is multiple sclerosis? - ANSWER-results from a dismantling of the myelin
covering of CNS axons by the body's own immune system
What is ALS? - ANSWER-...
What are neurological cells and what is their function? - ANSWER-make up 80% of
nervous system; support/protect axons, do NOT transmit action potentials, forms
myelin sheath around axons
What is an action potential? - ANSWER-an electrical impulse
neurotransmitter - ANSWER-released from vesicles near terminal button of neuron
(axon portion), open ion gates 25 different types, recycled/broken down
synapse - ANSWER-where a neuron meets a muscle cell (contract or relax); gland
(secrete); neuron (pass the signal along); special junction between neuron and
reciever
AND ANSWERS
meningitis - ANSWER-inflammation of the meninges caused by viral or bacterial
infection
rabies - ANSWER-infectious viral disease, spread by bite or saliva of infected
animal, virus spreads from bite to brain via sensory neurons
epilepsy - ANSWER-recurring episodes of abnormal electrical activity (seizures)
alzheimers disease - ANSWER-shortage of acetylcholine; accumulation of abnormal
protein, beta amyloid; Progressive memory lapses and dementia
parkinson's disease - ANSWER-loss od dopamine- releasing neurons; progressive
degenerative disorder affecting motor activity
3 parts of a neuron and their functions - ANSWER-1. cell body: main part of cell, has
the nucleus and most of the cytoplasm and organelles
2. dendrites: small slender extentions of the cell body, receiving incoming info and
convey towards the cell body
3. axon: long slender extension, specialized to conduct electrical impulses away from
the cell body towards another neuron or effect
what is a synaptic terminal? - ANSWER-an axon ends in a cluster of branches, each
with a bulb-like synaptic terminal that relays signals to another neuron or an effector
across a synapse
what is the myelin sheath? - ANSWER-wraps around neuron (like insulation) carries
nerve impulses faster (myelin rich in fat, appears glossy white)
What is multiple sclerosis? - ANSWER-results from a dismantling of the myelin
covering of CNS axons by the body's own immune system
What is ALS? - ANSWER-...
What are neurological cells and what is their function? - ANSWER-make up 80% of
nervous system; support/protect axons, do NOT transmit action potentials, forms
myelin sheath around axons
What is an action potential? - ANSWER-an electrical impulse
neurotransmitter - ANSWER-released from vesicles near terminal button of neuron
(axon portion), open ion gates 25 different types, recycled/broken down
synapse - ANSWER-where a neuron meets a muscle cell (contract or relax); gland
(secrete); neuron (pass the signal along); special junction between neuron and
reciever
