Neuro Exam 1 Prep: Part 2

Which of the following are the spinal cord's two main functions?

• To convey information between neurons innervating peripheral structures and the brain

• To process information

• Coordinates movement

• Controls equilibrium

(T/F): Information is integrated in white matter.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The axons in white matter convey information among parts of the nervous system. Information is integrated in gray matter.

(T/F): You are able to see the occipital lobe through this coronal cut of the brain.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The main structures seen in a coronal this of the brain include:

• - Frontal lobe

• - Parietal lobe

• - Temporal lobe

• - Lateral ventricles

• - Brainstem

• - Thalamus

• - Corpus callosum

The _____ contains important groups of neurons that control equilibrium, cardiovascular activity, respiration, eye movements, and other functions.

_____ receive information, process it, and generate output. They typically have four main components.

Some axons are specialized for faster action potential propagation. Which of the following are structural adaptations that improve their passive properties? Select all that apply.

• Increased diameter of the axon

• Myelination

• Decreased diameter of the axon

• Decreased length of the axon

(T/F): Myelin promotes the dissipation of the action potential so that it does not need to be regenerated as frequently.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Action potential must be regenerated at each spot along the axon in order to ensure that it reaches the presynaptic terminal. By preventing current flow across the membrane, myelin limits the dissipation of the action potential so that it does not need to be regenerated as frequently. (p. 72)

(T/F): In myelinated axons, nodes of Ranvier are the only sites where ion exchange across the membrane occurs.

• True

• False

Which of the following are the three core functions of glial cells?

• Myelinating

• Signaling, cleaning, nourishing

• Defending

• Demyelinating

_____ are found in the CNS and myelinates parts of several axons from different neurons.