Biological Basis of Behavior Quiz

Neurons and Nerve Pathways

• Neurons are the fundamental unit of nerve pathways, responsible for sending messages throughout the body.
• Dendrites are the parts of the neuron that receive input from other neurons.

Axon and Synapses

• Synaptic vesicles are the tiny-looking bubbles at the end of an axon, containing neurotransmitters that facilitate communication between neurons.

Supportive Cells

• Glial cells support neurons by insulating them, synchronizing neuronal activity, and removing waste products.

Impulse Transmission

• Myelin sheaths speed up the transmission of impulses along an axon, allowing for faster communication between neurons.

Signal Conversion

• The process of converting physical or chemical energy into electrochemical messages in neurons is known as transduction.

Action Potential

• The tiny electric current generated when positive sodium ions rush inside the axon is called an action potential.

Types of Neurons

• Afferent neurons carry sensory information from the senses to the spinal cord, facilitating the sensation process.

Autonomic Nervous System

• The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Sympathetic Division

• The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for action, especially in response to threatening or challenging stimuli.

Central Nervous System

• The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord, serving as the main control center for processing information.

Role of Interneurons

• Interneurons primarily facilitate communication between sensory and motor neurons, playing a crucial role in reflexes and processing information.