Question 1

Which of the following statements about human brain development is correct?

Accepted Answer

The cells that will form the fetal brain, known as neural progenitor cells, begin to be identifiable around the third week after fertilization.

Question 2

Neural induction is the process where ______.

Accepted Answer

Neural induction is the process by which a region of the ectoderm is instructed to form the neural plate, which is the precursor to the central nervous system.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the process of neurulation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Neurulation is the process that leads to the formation of the neural tube, which later develops into the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It is typically complete by about 4 weeks after fertilization.

Question 4

In the context of brain development, differentiation refers to the process of ______.

Accepted Answer

Differentiation in brain development involves cells expressing specific genes that determine their function, allowing them to become specialized types of neurons or glial cells.

Question 5

A teratogen is ______.

Accepted Answer

A teratogen is an agent or factor that causes malformation of an embryo, often by disrupting cell proliferation or migration during development.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about axon guidance is correct?

Accepted Answer

The growth cone at the tip of an axon expresses receptors that interact with guidance cues in the environment, directing the axon to its target.

Question 7

For accurate synaptogenesis, which of the following does NOT have to occur?

Accepted Answer

The firing of action potentials in the postsynaptic neuron is not necessary for the initial formation of synapses, although it may play a role in their maturation and strengthening.

Question 8

The purpose of synaptic remodelling during early brain development is thought to ______.

Accepted Answer

Synaptic remodeling during early brain development helps to remove dysfunctional synapses, allowing for more efficient and effective neural circuits to form.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the fully-formed brain is correct?

Accepted Answer

Synapse formation, also known as synaptogenesis, is influenced by an individual's experiences, particularly during early development, which can affect brain plasticity and connectivity.

Question 10

Myelination occurs ______.

Accepted Answer

Myelination occurs for some considerable period of time postnatally.

Question 11

The brain is thought to be at its maximum size at about the age of 20 because ______.

Accepted Answer

At around the age of 20, the brain has reached its maximum size due to the peak number of neurons, synapses, and myelinated axons, which contribute to its overall volume.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about neurodegeneration is correct?

Accepted Answer

The deficits produced by neurodegeneration are determined by the location of the degeneration, as different brain areas control different functions.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about Parkinson's disease is correct?

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors, along with genetic factors, can influence the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. It is not solely a monogenetic condition, and the primary pathological feature is the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, not synapses in the cortex.

Question 14

Huntington's disease ______.

Accepted Answer

Huntington's disease is a monogenetic condition caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, leading to neurodegeneration.

Question 15

Functional recovery following neuronal damage in the nervous system is ______.

Accepted Answer

In the central nervous system, glial cells, particularly astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, create an environment that inhibits axon regrowth, limiting functional recovery.

Question 16

To increase the chances of neuronal repair in the adult central nervous system, we could ______.

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting the glial processes that suppress regeneration would increase the chances of neuronal repair in the adult central nervous system.

Question 17

Stem cells are required for neurogenesis because ______.

Accepted Answer

Stem cells are essential for neurogenesis because they have the ability to divide and differentiate into various cell types, including new stem cells and immature neurons, which are necessary for the formation of new neurons.

Question 18

The neurogenic capacity of the adult human brain ______.

Accepted Answer

The neurogenic capacity of the adult human brain decreases with age, meaning it is related to the age of the individual.

Question 19

Evidence for neurogenesis in adult brains can be obtained by ______.

Accepted Answer

Incorporation of a marker into DNA, such as BrdU, is a direct method to identify new neuron formation, indicating neurogenesis.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about our ability to increase the neurogenic capacity of the brain is correct?

Accepted Answer

Increasing neurogenic capacity alone is insufficient because the new neurons must integrate and function properly within existing neural circuits to effectively address neuronal loss.

Quiz 3: Development, Degeneration and Recovery of the Nervous System