Biological Bases of Behavior Unit 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the somatic nervous system in the human body?

To regulate heart rate and digestion

To control voluntary movements (correct)

To manage involuntary bodily functions

To govern reflex actions

What response does the sympathetic nervous system trigger in the body?

Increases bodily activity (correct)

Slows down heart rate

Promotes 'rest and digest'

Reduces respiration rate

How does the autonomic nervous system differ from the somatic nervous system?

It controls voluntary movements.

It is responsible for reflexive actions.

It operates under conscious control.

It manages internal organs and glands. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the role of ascending neurons in the spinal cord?

They carry sensory information to the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Promoting energy conservation and relaxation Signup and view all the answers

What defines psychoactive drugs?

Chemicals that alter brain perception and mood. Signup and view all the answers

Which indicator is NOT associated with diminished control in substance use?

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes the inability of a neuron to fire again immediately after an action potential?

Refractory period Signup and view all the answers

What happens to neurotransmitters that did not cross into the next neuron?

They can drift away or be reabsorbed by the sending neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of hazardous use in relation to substances?

Continuing use despite worsening problems. Signup and view all the answers

How does the intensity of a neural impulse change when the input to a neuron is stronger?

It fires more rapidly. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tolerance' in drug use refer to?

The need for larger doses to achieve the same effect. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a stimulant?

Cocaine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meeting point between neurons called?

Synapse Signup and view all the answers

Which condition results from the destruction of receptors on a nerve, inhibiting communication?

Myasthenia gravis Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of indicators required for a diagnosis of mild substance use disorder?

2-3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'All or Nothing Response' in neural activity?

It ensures that neurons only fire at full intensity or not at all. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is classified as a depressant?

Heroin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the tiny gap between neurons?

Synaptic gap Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the withdrawal process of drug use?

The user may experience unpleasant mental or physical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with Myasthenia gravis?

Decreased sensation in limbs Signup and view all the answers

What is heredity primarily concerned with?

The influence of genetic traits passed from parents to offspring Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is characterized by the extent to which genetic variation among individuals can be attributed to genes?

Heritability Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the nature-nurture issue primarily explore?

The contributions of genetic inheritance vs. environmental influences Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study compares the similarities and differences between identical and fraternal twins?

Twin Studies Signup and view all the answers

John Locke's perspective on the human mind can best be summarized by which statement?

The mind is a blank slate upon which experience imprints knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the views of John B. Watson regarding child development?

Environmental conditioning can shape any child into the specialist of choice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of family studies in the context of heredity and environment?

To analyze the influence of inherited traits across generations Signup and view all the answers

Natural selection primarily operates on which principle?

The survival and reproduction of individuals best suited to their environments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of excitatory neurotransmitters?

To increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for signaling hunger?

Ghrelin Signup and view all the answers

How do hormones differ from neurotransmitters in their mode of communication?

Hormones communicate slower and remain in the body longer. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an agonist in pharmacology?

A drug that activates a receptor to promote a reaction. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is commonly associated with inhibitory functions?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What role does oxytocin play in the body?

Manages reproductive system aspects. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the endocrine system?

It acts faster than the nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of an antagonist in the context of drug interactions?

It binds to receptors and inhibits reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal Cord and Nervous System

The spinal cord is known as the body's "information highway", facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Ascending neurons transmit sensory information upward to the brain, while descending neurons send motor commands back down.
Governs reflex actions, allowing for quick responses to stimuli.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary muscle movements, enabling conscious control of bodily actions.
Reports current muscle states to the brain; communicates instructions back to the muscles.
Comprised of sensory neurons (input) and motor neurons (output).

Autonomic Nervous System

A key component of the Peripheral Nervous System regulating internal organ functions.
Functions involuntarily and self-regulating, impacting heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and digestion.
Contains two main branches:
- Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates the "fight or flight" response, increasing alertness and bodily activity (e.g., accelerated heart rate, increased respiration).
- Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promotes "rest and digest" functions, conserving energy and calming the body (e.g., lowered heart rate, improved digestion).

Homeostasis

Autonomic systems work in tandem to maintain a stable internal environment, known as homeostasis.

Psychoactive Drugs

Chemicals that alter brain function, affecting perception and mood through neurotransmitter modulation.
Substance use can escalate from moderation to substance abuse, indicated by a range of criteria:
- Diminished Control: Increased use, unsuccessful attempts to regulate, time spent on substance-related activities.
- Diminished Social Functioning: Disruption of commitments and continuation of use despite social issues.
- Hazardous Use: Consistent use despite health hazards.
- Tolerance and Withdrawal: Needing more of the substance for the same effect and experiencing negative reactions upon cessation.

Types of Psychoactive Drugs

Depressants: Slow down neural activity (e.g., alcohol, heroin).
Stimulants: Accelerate neural functions (e.g., caffeine, nicotine).
Hallucinogens: Alter perceptions (e.g., LSD, marijuana).

Neuronal Activity

Neurons fire action potentials once a threshold charge is reached, leading to depolarization.
The All or Nothing Response means a neuron either fires completely or not at all; the rate and number of firing neurons determines intensity.
Synapses allow for communication between neurons, where neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, leading to muscle weakness and visual disturbances.

Neurotransmitter Regulation

Excess neurotransmitters can either be broken down by enzymes or reabsorbed through reuptake.

Nature vs. Nurture

Heredity involves genetic transmission of traits, while environment encompasses all non-genetic influences.
Heritability measures the extent of genetic influence on individual differences.

Endocrine System

Acts as a secondary communication system using hormones to regulate bodily functions including metabolism and growth.
Hormones operate more slowly than neurotransmitters but have lasting effects.

Key Hormones

Adrenaline (Epinephrine): Key for fight or flight response.
Leptin: Regulates appetite and energy levels.
Ghrelin: Signals hunger when the stomach is empty.
Melatonin: Regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Oxytocin: Plays roles in reproductive functions.

Agonists vs. Antagonists

Agonists activate receptors promoting reactions (e.g., opioids mimicking endorphins).
Antagonists block receptor activity, inhibiting expected reactions (e.g., Naltrexone counteracting opiates).

Daily Drug Use Scenario

Illustrates typical interactions with legal drugs for alertness, focus, relaxation, and sleep, highlighting increasing tolerance and reliance.

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Description

This quiz covers the key concepts from Unit 1 on the Biological Bases of Behavior. Ensure you have taken comprehensive handwritten notes from all provided resources, including the textbook and slides. Prepare thoroughly as your understanding of the material will be assessed.