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Questions and Answers
What is a neuron?
What is a neuron?
What do dendrites do?
What do dendrites do?
What is the function of the axon?
What is the function of the axon?
What does the myelin sheath do?
What does the myelin sheath do?
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What is the threshold?
What is the threshold?
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Synapse is the junction between sending and receiving neurons.
Synapse is the junction between sending and receiving neurons.
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What are neurotransmitters?
What are neurotransmitters?
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What is the function of acetylcholine?
What is the function of acetylcholine?
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What is the role of dopamine?
What is the role of dopamine?
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GABA inhibits excitatory responses.
GABA inhibits excitatory responses.
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What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
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The autonomic nervous system is responsible for:
The autonomic nervous system is responsible for:
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The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord.
The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord.
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What is neurogenesis?
What is neurogenesis?
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What is the role of the cerebral cortex?
What is the role of the cerebral cortex?
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Match the following parts of the brain with their functions:
Match the following parts of the brain with their functions:
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What is plasticity in the brain?
What is plasticity in the brain?
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The corpus callosum connects the two brain hemispheres.
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.
Studying That Suits You
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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!