Question 1

What is one major obstacle that using the transcriptome (single-cell transcriptomics) would present in classifying neurons?

Accepted Answer

The transcriptome of a cell is indeed dynamic and changes constantly, which can present a major obstacle in classifying neurons based on single-cell transcriptomics. This variability can make it challenging to capture a consistent snapshot of a neuron's transcriptomic profile.

Question 2

In the peripheral nervous system, the fact that most neurons are unmyelinated suggests, from a teleological perspective, that they do not need to be myelinated. This greatly decreases the burden of having to produce so many more

Accepted Answer

In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells are responsible for the myelination of neurons. The fact that most neurons in this system are unmyelinated means there is a reduced need for Schwann cells, as these cells are specifically involved in the myelination process.

Question 3

The _______ in the brain is most affected rhythmically by the rhythms of other structures.

Accepted Answer

The thalamus in the brain is most affected rhythmically by the rhythms of other structures because it acts as a relay station, processing and transmitting information from the sensory organs to the appropriate areas of the brain.

Question 4

Sleep can be considered an altered state of consciousness; not unconsciousness. Moreover, it is well known that sleep is needed to consolidate learning and memories. Studying the rhythmicity of the _______, therefore, will likely yield the most useful information about why we need to sleep.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sleep can be considered an altered state...

Question 5

The signal derived in fMRI is based on neurons'

Accepted Answer

The signal derived in fMRI is based on changes in blood flow related to neural activity, which is a reflection of the metabolic activity of neurons. This technique measures the blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) contrast, which is linked to neuronal metabolism, not directly to electrical activity, neurotransmitters, or the structural aspects of neurons like their age or the proportion of gray to white matter.

Question 6

Intense thought devoted to planning your next vacation should show greater blood flow in the _______, as revealed by fMRI.

Accepted Answer

The prefrontal cortex is involved in complex behaviors including planning and decision making, which would be active during the planning of a vacation.

Question 7

Arguably, some of the most significant early (and current) discoveries about how the brain works has been because of

Accepted Answer

Patients with brain injuries or disorders have provided crucial insights into brain function, as studying their conditions has helped researchers understand the roles of different brain areas.

Question 8

Some of the most profound scientific breakthroughs in the understanding of disease occurred because of

Accepted Answer

Unintentional events or outcomes have led to some of the most profound scientific breakthroughs in the understanding of disease. For example, the discovery of penicillin was the result of a serendipitous observation by Alexander Fleming.

Question 9

The beginning and hallmark of wisdom is embodied in the statement,

Accepted Answer

The statement "I don't know" embodies the beginning of wisdom by highlighting the recognition of one's own ignorance, which is a crucial step towards seeking knowledge and understanding.

Question 10

Propose one kind of experiment that might be done to corroborate and support the single-neuron monitoring experiment done in a hippocampal neuron when participants were presented with a visual stimulus.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Propose one kind of experiment that might...

Question 11

In Figure 30.1 (in the text) , beside the red bars that represent the neuron's response to Pamela Anderson's face at five spikes or higher, that same neuron also responded with four spikes to four other stimuli. Hypothesize what these other stimuli might have been.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In Figure 30.1 (in the text) ,...

Question 12

Explain how concept cells function.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain how concept cells function....

Question 13

Given that a neuron can have as many as 50,000 dendrites and spines, all of which are potential synaptic inputs from neighboring neurons, and that neurons can be either activated, resting or inhibited (3 different discrete states), how many possible combinations are there to predict whether a fusiform face neuron is active?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Given that a neuron can have as...

Question 14

In the context of conscious control, when we speak of a neuronal discharge pattern in a discrete ensemble of neurons, what are we referring to?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the context of conscious control, when...

Question 15

Memory is required for a conscious act to occur. Propose an explanation for how a memory might cause a conscious act to be implemented.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Memory is required for a conscious act...

Question 16

The authors propose that shortly after a CNS injury, astrocytes can be allowed to perform their protective function and then converted to neurons, so as to avoid the formers' harmful effects that would hinder the healing process. What is the first thing that must be known before this kind of therapy can happen?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The authors propose that shortly after a...

Question 17

Of all the different types of cells in the retina, including the enormous number of each cell type (e.g., amacrine cells), propose an explanation for why only ganglion cells are myelinated, but not until part of their axons enter the optic nerve.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Of all the different types of cells...

Question 18

If a left-handed man had a large right parietal lobe lesion, would he be able to draw or write with his left hand?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If a left-handed man had a large...

Quiz 30: Appendix