Biological Psychology Chapter 5

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Questions and Answers

What is one reason biological psychologists study animals in research?

Animal behavior is not relevant to human behavior.

Legal restrictions allow animal studies without ethical guidelines.

Only humans display complex behaviors.

Mechanisms of behavior are similar across species. (correct)

Which statement best describes the 'minimalist' approach to animal research?

It promotes research without any ethical considerations.

It focuses on reduction, replacement, and refinement of animal use. (correct)

It suggests that animal research is irrelevant to human studies.

It advocates for the complete elimination of animal research.

What should be understood about the structural components of a neuron?

The structure of neurons is crucial for their function within the nervous system. (correct)

Neurons solely transmit electrical signals without supporting functions.

Neurons are anatomically identical to other body cells.

Neurons do not consist of different structural components.

Which of the following is NOT a main division of the nervous system?

Endocrine nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which function is primarily associated with the structures of the brain?

Mediating experiences and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sensory neurons?

Conduct impulses from receptors to the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glial cell helps synchronize the activity of axons?

Astrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is grey matter primarily composed of?

Cell bodies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of microglia?

Supports neural connections Signup and view all the answers

What structure in the nervous system is responsible for reflex actions?

Spinal Cord Signup and view all the answers

What do oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells have in common?

They build the myelin sheath Signup and view all the answers

During embryonic development, which glial cells are primarily involved in guiding neuron migration?

Radial glia Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the nervous system carries signals to and from the brain?

Central Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

To bring information into the neuron Signup and view all the answers

What role do myelin sheaths play in neuronal function?

They allow electrical impulses to travel more rapidly Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an axon from a dendrite?

Axons generally have myelin insulation, while dendrites do not Signup and view all the answers

What part of the neuron releases neurotransmitters?

Presynaptic terminals Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron conducts impulses from the central nervous system to muscles?

Motor neuron Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons?

Presynaptic neurons release neurotransmitters, while postsynaptic neurons contain receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of dendritic spines?

They increase the surface area of dendrites Signup and view all the answers

What are nodes of Ranvier responsible for?

They facilitate rapid impulse transmission along the axon Signup and view all the answers

Why do neurons have varying shapes?

To establish unique connections with other neurons Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes motor neurons compared to other neurons?

They can conduct impulses longer distances, up to one meter Signup and view all the answers

Which system is responsible for voluntary movements?

Somatic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Autonomic Nervous System?

To regulate automatic body functions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Sympathetic Nervous System is true?

It increases heart rate and blood pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Which subsystem of the Autonomic Nervous System is responsible for 'rest and digest' activities?

Parasympathetic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nerves does the Somatic Nervous System primarily involve?

Nerves that convey sensory information Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the nature of the Somatic Nervous System?

Voluntary and conscious control Signup and view all the answers

How does the Sympathetic Nervous System affect the body?

It prepares the body for heightened physical activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily regulated by the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the abducens nerve?

Control of eye movements Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary components of the Central Nervous System?

Brain and Spinal Cord Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the hindbrain is important for regulating motor movement and balance?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord is responsible for sending out motor commands?

Ventral root Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the superior colliculi in the midbrain?

Visual reflex function Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for sensations from the throat and salivation?

Glossopharyngeal nerve Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of spinal nerves does the spine contain?

31 pairs Signup and view all the answers

What primarily comprises the white matter in the spinal cord?

Myelinated axons Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the midbrain is responsible for processing auditory information?

Tectum Signup and view all the answers

What are the three major divisions of the brain?

Hindbrain, Midbrain, and Forebrain Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of sensory nerves connected to the spinal cord?

Carry sensory information to the brain Signup and view all the answers

If the spinal cord is cut, what happens to sensation and motor control?

They are lost from that segment and below Signup and view all the answers

What is located in the center of the spinal cord?

Gray Matter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Psychology - Week 9: Nervous System Anatomy and Function

Learning Outcomes:
- Identify key structural components of a neuron.
- Describe the organization and main divisions of the nervous system.
- Label the main brain structures and describe their functions.

Today's Lecture Outline

Understand nervous system (NS) function by studying its anatomy.
Cover the structure of neurons.
Study the gross anatomy of the nervous system.
Learn about brain structural components.

The Use of Animals in Research

Biological psychologists and neuroscientists study animals due to:
- Similarities in behavioral mechanisms across species (often easier to study in non-human species).
- Evolutionary insights into human development.
- Ethical/legal restrictions on human research.
Degrees of opposition to animal research:
- Minimalist: reduction, replacement, refinement of animal use.
- Abolitionist: Advocates for ending animal research entirely.

The Cells of the Nervous System

The human nervous system comprises two cell types:
- Neurons: Specialized cells for receiving, integrating, and transmitting information to other cells.
- Glia: Supporting cells, numerous than neurons (50x more).
The human brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons.
Neuron function relies on communication between neurons.
"Sum more than the parts" – Individual neuron not efficient, combined function effectively.
"Chain reaction" – Information transmission from neuron to neuron without signal loss.

Santiago Ramon y Cajal (1852-1934)

Early researcher on cell structure.
Detailed drawings of nerve cells – Showing they are separate rather than merging.

Neuron Structure

Cell body (soma): Contains nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, metabolic work center.
Dendrites: Branching fibers, receive information, often with dendritic spines to enhance surface area.
Axon: Thin fiber that transmits nerve impulses towards other neurons, organs, or muscles.
- Can be afferent (incoming) or efferent(outgoing).
- Often myelinated with interruptions (nodes of Ranvier) for rapid signal transmission.
Myelin Sheaths and Nodes of Ranvier: Help with rapid and efficient signal transmission.
Presynaptic terminals: End points of an axon where chemicals used for communication are released.

Neuron Communication

Neurons communicate across a synaptic gap.
Neurotransmitters are released from presynaptic terminals in vesicles, travel across the gap, and attach to postsynaptic receptors.
Neurons vary in size, shape, and function.
Shape relates to function and connections within the nervous system.

Neuron Types

Motor neuron: Conducts impulses from the CNS to muscles or glands. Its soma is in the spinal cord, receiving excitation from other neurons and transmitting impulses to muscle fibers.
Sensory neuron: Conducts impulses from receptors of sense organs to the CNS. Specialized end to receive specific stimuli efficiently.

Nervous System Components

Glia ('glue'): Support cells with various functions:
- Astrocytes: Synchronize axon activity by removing chemicals; supporting neurons.
- Microglia: Remove waste material, viruses, and other harmful substances.
- Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells: Build myelin sheath around axons.
- Radial glia: Guide neuron and axon migration, growth during development.

Grey vs. White Matter

Grey matter: Cell bodies.
White matter: Myelinated axons.

Nervous System Organization

Central Nervous System (CNS):
- Brain
- Spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
- Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements.
- Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure,digestion).
  - Sympathetic Nervous System: Response to stress and danger (increase heart rate, breathing,etc).
  - Parasympathetic Nervous System: Response to relaxation (rest and digest response).

Brain Divisions

Hindbrain: Controls basic bodily functions.
- Medulla: Vital reflexes (breathing, heartbeat, vomiting).
- Pons: Connects the medulla and cerebellum to other brain areas; also involved in sleep and arousal.
- Cerebellum: Regulates motor movement, balance, and coordination.
Midbrain: Coordinates sensory information and controls some eye movements.
- Tectum ("roof"): Receives sensory information, particularly visual and auditory.
- Tegmentum ("floor"): Contains nuclei for cranial nerves (III and IV), part of the reticular formation.
Forebrain: Highest level of the brain for complex functioning.
- Cerebral Cortex: Outer portion of the brain, receives sensory information and sends out motor commands, divided into lobes.
- Limbic system: Structures associated with emotions, drives, and memory.
  - Olfactory bulb: Processes smell.
  - Hypothalamus: Regulation of hormones and motivations (eating, drinking, sexual behavior, activity levels).
  - Hippocampus: Memory formation.
  - Amygdala: Emotion, particularly fear and aggression.
  - Cingulate gyrus: Linked with emotion, cognition, and memory.
- Thalamus: Sensory relay station.
- Pituitary gland: Pea-sized gland regulates hormone release.
- Basal Ganglia: Motor planning and learning.

Cranial nerves:

Part of the PNS, relaying sensory and motor information between the brain and the head.

Ventricles

Fluid-filled spaces in the brain.
Filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Cushion and support the brain and provide hormones and nutrients.

Important Issues to Consider

A key point to consider is the study of animal models to study human behavior in a more controlled manner.
The different parts within the brain have varying levels of responsibility in relation to the nervous system.

Next Week Topic

Neural Development and Plasticity

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Description

This quiz assesses your understanding of key concepts in Biological Psychology, particularly concerning the nervous system and its components. Explore topics such as neuron structure, functions of glial cells, and the roles of sensory neurons in this engaging quiz.