Bio 473 Theory Exam 1 UPDATED
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
Neurotransmitters - CORRECT ANSWER -- Neurons talk to each other by exchanging
molecules called neurotransmitters
- The neurotransmitters are released from one neuron, travel across the synapse between the two
neurons, and bind to receptors on the other neuron. The neuron that delivers the message is
called the pre-synaptic neuron and the neuron that receives the message is called the post-
synaptic neuron
Action Potential and Neurotransmitters - CORRECT ANSWER -- The signal for the
release of neurotransmitters is called an action potential
1. Action Potential propagates down the axon of the neuron
2. Action potential reaches the axon terminus and causes the stores of neurotransmitters to move
the cell membrane at the synapse
3. neurotransmitter is released into the synapse
4. neurotransmitter is recieved by the receptors
5. An action potential is initiated in the post-synaptic neuron
6. Left over neurotransmitter is take back to storage in the pre-synaptic cell via their transporter
in a process known as "reuptake"
*Neurotransmitter determines length of the signal
membrane potential - CORRECT ANSWER -- All cells, including neurons, are relatively
more negatively charged on the inside, compared to the outside environment. When the charged
ions cross the membrane via protein channels, the voltage of the membrane changes.
Seizures - CORRECT ANSWER -- Seizures are sudden changes to the electrical signals
that cause elevated signaling in the brain
- Seizures can be caused by any of the following: an imbalance of the voltage of the cell
membrane due to changes in the ion channels; an imbalance in the release of neurotransmitters;
,changes to how many neurotransmitter receptors are expressed on the post-synaptic membrane;
an imbalance in neurotransmitter reuptake;
Graded Potentials - CORRECT ANSWER -- occur on dendrites, cell body
- depolarizations and hyperpolarizations
- weaken as they move from the source
- may or may not depolarize neuron to threshold
Action Potentials - CORRECT ANSWER -- axon and terminals
- graded potential depolarizes axon hillock past threshold
- travel long distances without losing strength
- voltage gated Na+ and K+ channels
Action Potential - CORRECT ANSWER -1. Depolarization to threshold
2. Activation of sodium channels and rapid depolarization
3. inactivation of sodium channels and activation of potassium channels
Absolute Refratory Period - CORRECT ANSWER -neuron will not generate another
action potential and ensure action potential propagation occurs in one direction
Relative Refractory Period - CORRECT ANSWER -may generate another action potential
if the stimulus is strong enough
Encephalography - CORRECT ANSWER -a snapshot of all of the electrical activity
(neurons currently firing action potentials) occurring at the surface of the brain. Sensors called
electrodes can be used to detect the action potentials. To measure brain activity specifically, the
electrodes must be placed on the scalp.
, Brain Waves - CORRECT ANSWER -There are four main types of brain waves: alpha,
beta, theta, and delta. The type of waves a person is producing will vary with their brain
activities (awake vs. asleep, relaxing vs. concentrating).
Alpha Waves - CORRECT ANSWER -are associated with wakeful relaxation while the
eyes are closed.
Beta Waves - CORRECT ANSWER -are produced when a person is actively thinking and
concentrating on something, typically with their eyes open.
Theta and Delta Waves - CORRECT ANSWER -are transitional and not often observed;
delta waves are most commonly associated with sleep.
EEG Waves Defined By Frequency - CORRECT ANSWER -- Amplitude can be used to
further describe a particular wave pattern. Frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz), is the number of
waves or cycles per second, and is used as the defining factor to identify a wave type.
- It is the frequency that allows us to distinguish a beta wave, which cycles between 13-30 Hz,
vs. an alpha wave cycling at 8-12 Hz.
- Amplitude is the height of the wave and can be measured in volts (V). While amplitude does
not define a wave, it can often indicate a relative increase or decrease in brain activity.
Brain waves produced in a specific region of the brain - CORRECT ANSWER -- frontal
lobe: beta waves
- occipital lobe: alpha waves
Conducting Division of the Respiratory System - CORRECT ANSWER -The conducting
division of the respiratory system is responsible for ventilation or transporting air between the
atmospheric air in the environment and the inside of the lungs
The conducting Division: Nose and Nasal Cavity - CORRECT ANSWER -The functions
of the nose and nasal cavity are to warm, clean, and humidify the air.
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
Neurotransmitters - CORRECT ANSWER -- Neurons talk to each other by exchanging
molecules called neurotransmitters
- The neurotransmitters are released from one neuron, travel across the synapse between the two
neurons, and bind to receptors on the other neuron. The neuron that delivers the message is
called the pre-synaptic neuron and the neuron that receives the message is called the post-
synaptic neuron
Action Potential and Neurotransmitters - CORRECT ANSWER -- The signal for the
release of neurotransmitters is called an action potential
1. Action Potential propagates down the axon of the neuron
2. Action potential reaches the axon terminus and causes the stores of neurotransmitters to move
the cell membrane at the synapse
3. neurotransmitter is released into the synapse
4. neurotransmitter is recieved by the receptors
5. An action potential is initiated in the post-synaptic neuron
6. Left over neurotransmitter is take back to storage in the pre-synaptic cell via their transporter
in a process known as "reuptake"
*Neurotransmitter determines length of the signal
membrane potential - CORRECT ANSWER -- All cells, including neurons, are relatively
more negatively charged on the inside, compared to the outside environment. When the charged
ions cross the membrane via protein channels, the voltage of the membrane changes.
Seizures - CORRECT ANSWER -- Seizures are sudden changes to the electrical signals
that cause elevated signaling in the brain
- Seizures can be caused by any of the following: an imbalance of the voltage of the cell
membrane due to changes in the ion channels; an imbalance in the release of neurotransmitters;
,changes to how many neurotransmitter receptors are expressed on the post-synaptic membrane;
an imbalance in neurotransmitter reuptake;
Graded Potentials - CORRECT ANSWER -- occur on dendrites, cell body
- depolarizations and hyperpolarizations
- weaken as they move from the source
- may or may not depolarize neuron to threshold
Action Potentials - CORRECT ANSWER -- axon and terminals
- graded potential depolarizes axon hillock past threshold
- travel long distances without losing strength
- voltage gated Na+ and K+ channels
Action Potential - CORRECT ANSWER -1. Depolarization to threshold
2. Activation of sodium channels and rapid depolarization
3. inactivation of sodium channels and activation of potassium channels
Absolute Refratory Period - CORRECT ANSWER -neuron will not generate another
action potential and ensure action potential propagation occurs in one direction
Relative Refractory Period - CORRECT ANSWER -may generate another action potential
if the stimulus is strong enough
Encephalography - CORRECT ANSWER -a snapshot of all of the electrical activity
(neurons currently firing action potentials) occurring at the surface of the brain. Sensors called
electrodes can be used to detect the action potentials. To measure brain activity specifically, the
electrodes must be placed on the scalp.
, Brain Waves - CORRECT ANSWER -There are four main types of brain waves: alpha,
beta, theta, and delta. The type of waves a person is producing will vary with their brain
activities (awake vs. asleep, relaxing vs. concentrating).
Alpha Waves - CORRECT ANSWER -are associated with wakeful relaxation while the
eyes are closed.
Beta Waves - CORRECT ANSWER -are produced when a person is actively thinking and
concentrating on something, typically with their eyes open.
Theta and Delta Waves - CORRECT ANSWER -are transitional and not often observed;
delta waves are most commonly associated with sleep.
EEG Waves Defined By Frequency - CORRECT ANSWER -- Amplitude can be used to
further describe a particular wave pattern. Frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz), is the number of
waves or cycles per second, and is used as the defining factor to identify a wave type.
- It is the frequency that allows us to distinguish a beta wave, which cycles between 13-30 Hz,
vs. an alpha wave cycling at 8-12 Hz.
- Amplitude is the height of the wave and can be measured in volts (V). While amplitude does
not define a wave, it can often indicate a relative increase or decrease in brain activity.
Brain waves produced in a specific region of the brain - CORRECT ANSWER -- frontal
lobe: beta waves
- occipital lobe: alpha waves
Conducting Division of the Respiratory System - CORRECT ANSWER -The conducting
division of the respiratory system is responsible for ventilation or transporting air between the
atmospheric air in the environment and the inside of the lungs
The conducting Division: Nose and Nasal Cavity - CORRECT ANSWER -The functions
of the nose and nasal cavity are to warm, clean, and humidify the air.
