Neuroscience Quiz: Understanding the Neuron

Approximately how many neurons are estimated to be in the human brain?

• 50 billion

• 85 billion

• 120 billion

• 100 billion

What is the primary functional unit of the nervous system?

• Axon

• Neuron

• Dendrite

• Glial cell

What are the structures extending from the left side of a neuron that look like tree branches called?

• Synaptic buttons

• Dendrites

• Somas

• Axons

Where are most signals received by a neuron?

• Axon terminals

• Soma

• Nucleus

• Dendrites

What is the area called where the soma integrates information from the dendrites?

• Myelin sheath

• Axon hillock

• Synapse

• Nucleus

What is the signal called when it travels down the axon?

• Neurotransmitter

• Synaptic transmission

• Electrical impulse

• Action potential

What material covers the axon to prevent signal degradation?

• Nucleus

• Dendrite

• Myelin

• Soma

What happens when the action potential reaches the axon terminals?

• The axon regenerates

• The signal stops

• The neuron dies

• Neurotransmitter is released