Questions and Answers
What is biological psychology?
What is a neuron?
A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system
What is the function of the axon?
The extension of a neuron through which messages pass to other neurons or to muscles or glands
Define myelin sheath.
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What is action potential?
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What does the term threshold refer to?
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What is a synapse?
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What are neurotransmitters?
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What is the function of acetylcholine?
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What role do endorphins play?
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Define the nervous system.
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What is the central nervous system?
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What does the peripheral nervous system do?
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What are nerves?
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What do sensory neurons do?
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What is the role of interneurons?
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What do motor neurons do?
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Define the somatic nervous system.
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What does the autonomic nervous system control?
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What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?
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What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?
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Define a reflex.
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What are neural networks?
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What does a lesion refer to?
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What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
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What does a CT (computed tomography) scan do?
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What is a PET (positron emission tomography) scan?
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What is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)?
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What is the brainstem responsible for?
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What does the medulla control?
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What is the role of the reticular formation?
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What is the thalamus known as?
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What does the cerebellum help with?
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What is the limbic system associated with?
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What is the function of the amygdala?
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Define the hypothalamus.
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What does the cerebral cortex serve as?
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What are glial cells?
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What do frontal lobes mainly involve?
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What are parietal lobes associated with?
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What do occipital lobes include?
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What functions are associated with the temporal lobes?
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What does the motor cortex control?
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What is the function of the sensory cortex?
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What does aphasia refer to?
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What area is involved in speech?
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What is Wernicke's area responsible for?
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What does plasticity refer to in the brain?
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What is the corpus callosum?
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What condition is caused by cutting the connecting fibers between brain hemispheres?
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What is the endocrine system?
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What are hormones?
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What do adrenal glands secrete?
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What is the function of the pituitary gland?
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What are association areas in the brain involved in?
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What is the function of dendrites?
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What does an agonist do?
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What does an antagonist do?
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What role does dopamine play?
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What effect does serotonin have?
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What does norepinephrine help control?
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What is GABA?
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What is glutamate known for?
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Study Notes
Biological Psychology and Neurons
- Biological psychology explores the connections between biological processes and behavior.
- Neurons serve as the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system, facilitating communication throughout the body.
Neuron Structure
- The axon of a neuron extends and transmits messages to other neurons, muscles, or glands via terminal fibers.
- The myelin sheath, a layer of fatty tissue, enhances the transmission speed of neural impulses by insulating axons.
Neural Functions
- Action potential refers to a brief electrical charge that occurs when a neuron fires.
- The threshold represents the necessary level of stimulation to trigger an action potential.
Synapses and Neurotransmitters
- Synapses are the junction points between neurons where neurotransmitters transmit signals.
- Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that cross synaptic gaps, influencing other neurons.
Key Neurotransmitters
- Acetylcholine: Involved in muscle action and learning; associated with Alzheimer's disease.
- Endorphins: Act as natural painkillers and are linked to pleasure.
Nervous System Overview
- The nervous system is an electrochemical communication network composed of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system links the central system to the body's other parts.
Types of Neurons
- Sensory neurons convey information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
- Interneurons process information within the central nervous system.
- Motor neurons carry messages away from the central nervous system to prompt actions in muscles and glands.
Nervous System Divisions
- The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
- The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion through the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
Reflex Actions
- Reflexes are automatic responses to stimuli, highlighting the nervous system's rapid action.
Neural Networks and Techniques
- Neural networks consist of interconnected neurons capable of learning through experience.
- Lesions indicate areas of tissue destruction, often studied to understand brain functions.
Brain Imaging Techniques
- EEG (Electroencephalogram) records electrical activity in the brain.
- CT (Computed Tomography) scans provide composite images from various x-ray angles.
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans display brain activity via glucose consumption.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnetic fields for detailed brain imaging.
Brain Structure and Function
- The brainstem is responsible for basic survival functions and connects the brain to the spinal cord.
- The medulla controls automatic functions like heartbeat and breathing.
- The thalamus acts as a sensory relay station, directing incoming sensory information.
Cerebellum and Limbic System
- The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and maintains balance.
- The limbic system regulates emotions and drives, such as hunger and sexuality, with the amygdala linked to fear responses.
Cerebral Cortex and Lobes
- The cerebral cortex is the main control center for information processing.
- The frontal lobes manage speech, movement, planning, and judgment.
- The parietal lobes integrate sensory information related to touch and body positioning.
- The occipital lobes handle visual processing.
- The temporal lobes are involved in hearing and memory.
Additional Brain Features
- The motor cortex is responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements.
- The sensory cortex processes sensory input from the body.
- Aphasia is language impairment from damage to relevant brain areas.
Brain Plasticity and Communication
- Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself, particularly after injury or due to experience.
- The corpus callosum connects the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating interhemispheric communication.
Endocrine System
- The endocrine system operates as the body's slow chemical communication network, utilizing hormones to send messages throughout the body.
- The adrenal glands release epinephrine and norepinephrine, aiding stress responses.
- The pituitary gland, under hypothalamic influence, regulates growth and other endocrine functions.
Neurotransmitter Roles
- Dopamine is crucial in movement, learning, and emotional responses, with implications in conditions like schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.
- Serotonin influences mood, appetite, and sleep, with links to obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment.
- Norepinephrine plays a role in alertness and arousal.
- GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, associated with conditions like seizures.
- Glutamate serves as an excitatory neurotransmitter, vital for memory function.
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Description
This quiz delves into the relationship between biological processes and behavior, focusing on the structure and function of neurons. Explore key concepts such as action potentials, synapses, and neurotransmitters that play crucial roles in communication within the nervous system.