Exam 7: Neurons: the Matter of the Mind
Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder in which fat deposits build up in nerve cells,leading to a slow loss of function.Because this usually strikes children under 1 year of age,the symptoms are not immediately apparent.Think about what this condition would cause in terms of symptoms.List some that you think are possible.What would be the inevitable end result as the disease progresses?
The disease would interfere with neuron function in the brain.Because very young children don't speak,verbal communication is not a reliable measure of the illness.The most noticeable symptoms would be loss of motor function,difficulty swallowing,or inability to see or move around in response to stimuli.Eventually,motor function will be impaired to the point of being unable to breathe.In the end,the disease is fatal.
What are some of the dangers associated with the use of pesticides that might be of concern for humans? What are some ethical concerns related to their use?
There are many insecticides that prevent insect pests from damaging favorable plants or household foods.The organophosphates insecticides kill insects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase,the enzyme that degrades acetylcholine.This causes acetylcholine to accumulate and continuously stimulate in the synapse.These pesticides have a similar effect on humans.
Ethical concerns will vary but here are a few: 1)Organophosphates could be used against humans in warfare.2)Organophosphates could pose a threat to wildlife,including "good" insects such as bees,if not applied carefully.3)These toxins could be used in homicides and suicides.4)Accidental poisoning of farm workers and others exposed to these pesticides kills 500,000 people annually worldwide.
________ involves an insufficient amount of several neurotransmitters,such as serotonin,dopamine,and norepinephrine,for extended periods of time.
Clinical depression
Match each definition in the first column to the correct term in the second column.
-Specific neurons that carry information away from the brain and spinal cord to an effector such as a muscle or a gland.
Match each definition in the first column to the correct term in the second column.
-Part of the neuron where neurotransmitters are released.
________ is a progressive disorder in which the dopamine-producing neurons in the movement control center of the brain die.
Using the information from the text,a deficiency of what ion outside the neuron would make it very difficult for a depolarization to occur?
Which neurotransmitter may function to regulate emotions and is involved in pathways that control complex movements?
Some nerves are myelinated,others are not.Myelinated nerves send signals faster than unmyelinated neurons.Draw two neurons of equal length and wrap segments of myelin along one.Be careful to leave spaces for the nodes of Ranvier.Now,measure the exposed axons of each and total up the distance.Describe why the myelinated neurons send signals faster.
In the disease myasthenia gravis,the immune system attacks the receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.A drug is used to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase,which normally removes the neurotransmitter.This improves the condition of the patient.How does this work?
________ refers to the jumping of a nerve impulse from one node of Ranvier to the next.
Which of these diseases involves the destruction of the myelin sheath on certain neurons within the brain and spinal cord?
________ are numerous short,branching projections from the neuron that create a huge surface for receiving signals from other cells.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the myelin sheath is destroyed.What will happen to nerve conduction speed in affected neurons?
Ouabain is a chemical used on poison arrows in Africa.It works by inhibiting the Na+/K+ pump.What effect would this have on an action potential?
Immediately after an action potential occurs,the sodium channels close and cannot be reopened.What is this period called?
Match each definition in the first column to the correct term in the second column.
-A specific type of neuron that conducts information toward the brain and spinal cord from a sensory receptor.
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