Chapter Objectives

After studying this chapter, students should be able to . . .

1.

Describe the structure of a neuron and explain the functional significance of its principal regions.

2.

Classify neurons on the basis of their structure and function.

3.

Describe the locations and functions of the different types of supporting cells.

4.

Explain what is meant by the blood-brain barrier and discuss its significance.

5.

Describe the sheath of Schwann and explain how it functions in the regeneration of cut peripheral nerve fibers.

6.

Explain how a myelin sheath is formed.

7.

Define depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization.

8.

Explain the actions of voltage-regulated Na⁺ and K⁺ channels and describe the events that occur during the production of an action potential.

9.

Describe the properties of action potentials and explain the significance of the all-or-none law and the refractory periods.

10.

Explain how action potentials are regenerated along a myelinated and a nonmyelinated axon.

11.

Describe the events that occur in the interval between the electrical excitation of an axon and the release of neurotransmitter.

12.

Describe the two general categories of chemically regulated ion channels, and explain how these operate using nicotinic and muscarinic ACh receptors as examples.

13.

Explain how ACh produces EPSPs and IPSPs, and indicate the significance of these processes.

14.

Compare the characteristics of EPSPs and action potentials.

15.

Compare the mechanisms that inactivate ACh with those that inactivate monoamine neurotransmitters.

16.

Explain the role of cyclic AMP in the action of monoamine neurotransmitters, and some of the actions of monoamines in the nervous system.

17.

Explain the significance of the inhibitory effects of glycine and GABA in the central nervous system.

18.

List some of the polypeptide neurotransmitters, and explain the significance of the endogenous opioids in the nervous system.

19.

Discuss the significance of nitric oxide as a neurotransmitter.

20.

Explain how EPSPs and IPSPs can interact and discuss the significance of spatial and temporal summation and of presynaptic and postsynaptic inhibition.

21.

Describe the nature of long-term potentiation and discuss its significance.

2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.