Biological Psychology Chapter Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Facilitate communication between the brain and the spinal cord

Provide nourishment and support to neurons (correct)

Encase the myelin sheath

Transmit impulses between neurons

Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving messages from other neurons?

Dendrite (correct)

Axon

Myelin sheath

Terminal buttons

What role does the myelin sheath play in neuron function?

Protects the axon and speeds up signal transmission (correct)

Repairs damaged neurons

Enhances the communication between two neurons

Stores hereditary material in the cell

Which statement accurately describes the direction of impulse travel in neurons?

From dendrites to axon and then terminal buttons Signup and view all the answers

What type of psychologists are concerned with the biological structures and functions that affect behavior?

Behavioral neuroscientists Signup and view all the answers

How do neurons differ from most other cells in the body?

They transmit information over long distances and communicate with other cells. Signup and view all the answers

What are terminal buttons in a neuron responsible for?

Sending messages to other neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron carries messages received from the dendrites?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

What role does the corpus callosum play in the brain?

It connects the cerebral hemispheres of the brain. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of split-brain patients, what was observed about object naming?

They could name objects only when touching them with their right hand. Signup and view all the answers

How do the two hemispheres of the brain differ in processing information?

They process different types of information with varying efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about touch perception in split-brain patients?

Touch perception is processed differently by each hemisphere. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the efficiency of information processing in hemispheres is correct?

Each hemisphere processes certain types of information more effectively than the other. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

To prepare the body for stressful situations. Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is referred to as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system?

Pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

What do hormones primarily function as in the body?

Chemical messengers in the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

What is studied in evolutionary psychology?

Behavior patterns rooted in genetic inheritance. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hypothalamus play in the endocrine system?

It regulates the activities of the pituitary gland. Signup and view all the answers

What does an Electroencephalogram (EEG) measure?

Electrical activity in the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes behavioral genetics?

It investigates how heredity affects behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How do the two halves of the brain typically operate?

They operate interdependently, often specializing in different tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons transmit information from the perimeter of the body to the brain?

Afferent neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for action in stressful situations?

Sympathetic division Signup and view all the answers

How does the parasympathetic division function after an emergency has ended?

It calms the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the somatic division of the peripheral nervous system?

Controlling voluntary movements Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a reflex response?

It is an automatic and involuntary action. Signup and view all the answers

Which components make up the central nervous system?

Brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of motor (efferent) neurons?

They communicate information to muscles and glands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)?

To provide a three-dimensional image of brain structures and activity Signup and view all the answers

The peripheral nervous system includes which two major subdivisions?

Autonomic and somatic Signup and view all the answers

Which technique involves injecting a radioactive liquid to visualize brain activity?

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan Signup and view all the answers

What does transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) primarily disrupt?

Electrical activity in a small region of the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which method allows observation of individual circuits of neurons?

Optogenetics Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions controlled by the central core of the brain?

Basic functions such as eating and sleeping Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of hydrogel-embedding methods in neuroscientific research?

To visualize the wiring of brain circuitry and individual brain cells Signup and view all the answers

What technology allows neuroscientists to read activity in hundreds of neurons simultaneously?

Neuropixels Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging technique provides real-time updates on brain activity?

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the myelin sheath play in the nervous system?

It increases the speed of electrical impulse transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What is the charge of a neuron at its resting state?

-70 millivolts Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the action potential of a neuron?

The charge shifts from negative to positive. Signup and view all the answers

What happens immediately after an action potential passes through a section of the axon?

Positive ions are pumped out, restoring a negative charge. Signup and view all the answers

What is the all-or-none law in the context of neurons?

Neurons fire only when a specific threshold is met. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concentration of myelin differ among axons carrying various types of information?

Axons carrying urgent information have a higher concentration of myelin. Signup and view all the answers

What charge does a neuron reach during the peak of an action potential?

+40 millivolts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

To receive messages from other neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Psychology

This document is related to Understanding Psychology, 15th Edition, by Robert S. Feldman.
Learning changes everything.

Chapter 3: Neuroscience and Behavior

Psychology explores the brain and nervous system.
Behavioral neuroscientists (biopsychologists) study how the biological structures and functions of the body influence behavior.

Module 7: Neurons: The Basic Elements of Behavior

Psychologists study the brain and nervous system to understand behavior.
Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system.
Neurons have a cell body with a nucleus (containing hereditary material).
Glial cells support neurons and provide nourishment, insulation, and repair of damage.
Neurons transmit messages over relatively long distances and communicate with other cells.
Impulses generally move in one direction.
Dendrites receive messages from neighboring neurons.
Axons carry messages to other neurons.
Terminal buttons at the end of axons send messages to other neurons.
Myelin sheath wraps around the axon to increase the speed of electrical impulses. Axons involved in urgent/important information have more myelin.
Neurons communicate via electrical and chemical messages

How Neurons Fire

Neurons operate using an all-or-none principle; they are either on or off.
The resting state is characterized by a negative electrical charge (-70 millivolts).
Action potential: a brief reversal of electrical charge that travels down the axon (from negative to positive) when triggered.

Where Neurons Meet: Bridging the Gap

Synapse: the space between two neurons where chemical messages are transmitted.
Neurotransmitters: chemicals that carry messages across the synapse to the dendrite (or sometimes the cell body) of a receiving neuron.
Neurotransmitters fit into precise receptor sites on the receiving neuron to transmit the signal.
Reuptake: neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the terminal button, ending the message.
Enzymes deactivate neurotransmitters.
SSRIs are a type of drug that increase neurotransmitters to treat depression.
Excitatory messages raise the neuron's firing potential, while inhibitory messages lower it.

Neurotransmitters: Multitalented Chemical Couriers

Neurotransmitters are important links between the nervous system and behavior.
Crucial for vital brain and body functions.
Deficiencies or excesses can cause severe disorders.
More than a hundred chemicals function as neurotransmitters.
Scientists expect more to be discovered.

Module 8: The Nervous System and the Endocrine System: Communicating Within the Body

The nervous system's structures are interlinked.
The endocrine system's role in behavior.

The Nervous System: Linking Neurons

Neurons can connect with many others which means there is a large number of potential connections.
The nervous system utilizes the central and peripheral nervous systems for communication.

Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems

Central Nervous System (CNS): contains the brain and spinal cord.
Spinal cord: carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body; controls simple behaviors independently of the brain, via reflexes.
Reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses to stimuli.
Sensory neurons (afferent) detect information and relay it to the nervous system and brain.
Motor neurons (efferent) transmit information from the brain and nervous system to muscles and glands.
Peripheral nervous system: made up of the somatic (voluntary) and autonomic (involuntary) divisions.
Somatic division controls voluntary movements and communication with sense organs.
Autonomic division controls involuntary movements (heart, glands, lungs, and other organs) which further splits into sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic responses.

Activating the Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

Sympathetic division: prepares the body for action in stressful situations (often called "flight-or-fight").
Parasympathetic division: calms the body after an emergency.
These divisions work together to regulate bodily functions.

The Evolutionary Foundations of the Nervous System

Evolutionary psychology studies behavior patterns related to genetic inheritance from ancestors.
Behavioral genetics investigates the impact of heredity on behavior.

The Endocrine System: Of Chemicals and Glands

Endocrine system: sends messages via the bloodstream.
Hormones: chemicals that circulate in the blood and regulate bodily functions/growth.
Pituitary gland: the "master gland" that controls other endocrine glands.

Module 9: The Brain

Research methods for identifying brain parts and functions include EEG, fMRI, PET, TMS, optogenetics, and hydrogel-embedding methods.
The brain has major parts including the central core and cerebral cortex.

Studying the Brain's Structure and Functions: Spying on the Brain

EEG records electrical activity in the brain.
fMRI provides detailed, three-dimensional images of brain structures and activity.
PET scans image biochemical activity in the brain.
TMS interrupts electrical activity in a brain region.
Optogenetics and hydrogel embedding methods allow observation of neurons and brain circuitry.
Neuropixels enable simultaneous reading of activity in multiple neurons.

The Central Core: Our "Old Brain"

The central core controls basic functions like eating and sleeping; common in vertebrates.
Medulla controls critical body functions (breathing, heart).
Pons is a bridge, transmitting motor information.
Cerebellum controls balance.
Reticular formation controls arousal level.
Thalamus relays sensory information.
Hypothalamus maintains homeostasis, regulating behavior critical to the species' survival (eating, drinking, sexual behavior).

The Limbic System: Beyond the Central Core

Limbic system controls eating, aggression, reproduction, emotions, and self-preservation.
Includes amygdala and hippocampus (important for learning and memory).
Sometimes called the "animal brain" due to similarities in other mammals.

The Cerebral Cortex: Our "New Brain"

Cerebral cortex: responsible for sophisticated information processing.
Lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital) are major sections of the cortex., physically separated by grooves.
The motor area (in frontal lobe) is concerned with voluntary movement.
Sensory area (in parietal lobe) encompasses touch and pressure perception.
Auditory area (in temporal lobe) handles hearing.
Visual area is located in the occipital lobe.

The Association Areas of the Cortex

Association areas: focus on high-level mental processes like thought, language, memory, and speech.
Injuries can lead to aphasia (language problems).
Broca's aphasia: difficulty speaking.
Wernicke's aphasia: difficulty understanding and producing language.

Neuroplasticity and the Brain

Neuroplasticity: the brain's ability to change throughout life through the addition of new neurons, new interconnections, and reorganization.
Neurogenesis: creation of new neurons in select brain areas, even in adulthood, is possible.

The Specialization of the Hemispheres: Two Brains or One?

Brain divided into left and right hemispheres that control the opposite sides of the body.
Left hemisphere (verbal areas) handles information sequentially.
Right hemisphere (nonverbal areas) processes information globally.
Lateralization: one hemisphere's dominance in specific functions, like language, though considerable interdependency exists.

The Split Brain: Exploring the Two Hemispheres

A split-brain surgery severs the corpus callosum to treat severe epilepsy.
Studies show separate functioning abilities within the two hemispheres in split-brain patients.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the functions of glial cells, neurons, and the brain's structure. This quiz covers key concepts regarding neuronal communication, the role of the myelin sheath, and the differences between cerebral hemispheres. Perfect for students studying biological psychology!