Summary Neurons & Synapses

A snapshot of the summary - Neurons & Synapses

• L1 Types and classification of neurons in the NS

• Which stain is used to distinguish the grey and white matter in the brain? And what does is stain?

  Nissl stain
  Stains neuron cell bodies/soma
• Why is it difficult to classify neurons in the NS ?

  You need to define a parameter space in order to do the classification. The definition of the parameters space is subjective.
• How does an axon make contact

  The boutons/synaptic terminals of axons make contact the dendrites of postynaptic neurons.
• ............. is formed by neuronal structures that are distributed across different regions of the brain but work together to perform a given function.

  System
• Are spines dendritic or axons extensions?

  Dendritic
• In a typical neuron the largest density of synapses are made onto the ..........Axon/stoma or dendrite?

  Dendrite
• Who originally visualised and described the Axo-dendritic projections ?

  Ramon y Cajal
• How do Inhibitory neurons work?

  They secrete neurotransmitters that cause membrane hyperpolarization in postsynaptic neurons.
• What does Dale's law (1934) state?

  A neuron is either excitatory or inhibitory in its influence on other neurons
  
  A neuron secretes a single (traditional) neurotransmitter at its synapses
• Name a few modern techniques allow detailed anatomical characterisation of neurons.

  For example,
  Molecular labeling in whole brain provide biochemical insight to neuronal diversity.