Questions and Answers
What is a neuron?
What do dendrites do?
What is the function of the axon?
What does the myelin sheath do?
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What is the threshold?
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Synapse is the junction between sending and receiving neurons.
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What are neurotransmitters?
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What is the function of acetylcholine?
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What is the role of dopamine?
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GABA inhibits excitatory responses.
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What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
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The autonomic nervous system is responsible for:
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The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord.
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What is neurogenesis?
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What is the role of the cerebral cortex?
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Match the following parts of the brain with their functions:
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What is plasticity in the brain?
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The corpus callosum connects the two brain hemispheres.
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Study Notes
Neurons and Communication
- Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information.
- Dendrites receive signals and conduct impulses toward the neuron's cell body.
- Axons transmit messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
- The myelin sheath accelerates neural impulse transmission by insulating axons.
Neural Activity
- Action potential represents a brief electrical charge that travels along the axon, initiated by movement of ions.
- Threshold is the necessary level of stimulation to trigger an action potential.
- Synapses facilitate communication between neurons, with synaptic gaps allowing neurotransmitters to cross.
Neurotransmitters Functions
- Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses, influencing whether neurons will fire.
- Acetylcholine is crucial for learning, memory, and muscle contraction.
- Dopamine regulates movement, reward, and pleasure; it's linked to various mental health disorders.
- Serotonin affects mood, sleep, and appetite, while norepinephrine influences stress response.
Neural Regulation
- GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, reducing neuronal excitability.
- Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter vital for cognitive functions but can be toxic in excessive amounts.
- Endorphins act as natural pain relievers and are linked to pleasure sensations.
Nervous System Structure
- The nervous system comprises the central nervous system (CNS) - brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- Sensory neurons relay incoming sensory information to the CNS, while motor neurons transmit signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.
- Interneurons connect sensory inputs with motor outputs within the CNS.
Autonomic Functions
- The autonomic nervous system oversees involuntary actions and regulates internal organs.
- The sympathetic nervous system activates fight-or-flight responses; the parasympathetic system supports rest-and-digest functions.
Brain Structure and Function
- Hindbrain coordinates data from the body and plays a role in basic functions like heart rate and breathing.
- The limbic system influences emotions and drives; it includes the amygdala (emotion), hypothalamus (hormonal regulation), and more.
- The cerebral cortex is involved in high-level functions like reasoning, planning, and language processing.
Brain Areas
- The frontal lobes manage executive functions and voluntary motor activity.
- The parietal lobes process sensory information from the body.
- Temporal lobes are key for auditory processing and language comprehension.
Language and Development
- Broca's area is essential for speech production, while Wernicke's area enables language comprehension.
- Aphasia is a condition affecting language due to damage in these areas.
- Plasticity allows the brain to adapt and rewire after injury or experience.
Brain Hemispheres
- The corpus callosum connects the left and right hemispheres, facilitating communication.
- Split-brain procedures highlight how hemispheric specialization occurs, with the left side associated with logic and language, and the right side with creativity and spatial reasoning.
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Description
Explore key terms from Chapter 2 of AP Psychology with these flashcards. This quiz covers important concepts such as neurons, dendrites, and axons that are fundamental to understanding the nervous system. Perfect for quick revision or study sessions!