Biopsychology Overview and Nervous Systems

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Questions and Answers

What triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the membrane during neurotransmitter release?

Potassium ions (K+)

Sodium ions (Na+)

Calcium ions (Ca2+) (correct)

Chloride ions (Cl-)

Which statement accurately describes chemical synapses?

They allow direct ion flow between adjacent cells.

They are more common in invertebrates than in vertebrates.

They utilize neurotransmitters to transmit signals. (correct)

They are faster than electrical synapses.

Which of the following best explains the function of ionotropic receptors?

They only function in the central nervous system.

They are indirectly coupled to ion channels via G-proteins.

They are ion channels that open in response to neurotransmitter binding. (correct)

They bind ligands to initiate genetic expression.

What role do SNARE proteins play in neurotransmitter release?

They facilitate vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release. Signup and view all the answers

During saltatory conduction, where are voltage-gated sodium channels primarily located?

At the nodes of Ranvier Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'biopsychology' refer to?

The biological approach to psychology examining the relationship between behavior and brain Signup and view all the answers

Which components make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

Brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

CNS is encased in protective structures while PNS is not Signup and view all the answers

Which animal species are commonly used in biopsychology research?

Mice and non-human primates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane in a cell?

To control what enters and exits the cell Signup and view all the answers

What major component of a typical cell contains most of the cell's DNA?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is true?

It includes cranial and spinal nerves. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the Central Nervous System regarding injury?

It has a limited ability to regenerate after injury Signup and view all the answers

What prevents sodium channels from reopening immediately after an action potential?

Inactivation of Na⁺ channels. Signup and view all the answers

During which period can a second action potential be triggered with a stronger stimulus?

Relative refractory period. Signup and view all the answers

How does the sodium-potassium pump maintain ion distribution across the membrane?

By moving 3 Na⁺ out and 2 K⁺ in. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of myelin in the nervous system?

To insulate axons and speed up signal transmission. Signup and view all the answers

Where do action potentials typically originate in a neuron?

Axon hillock. Signup and view all the answers

What is saltatory conduction?

The jumping of action potentials between Nodes of Ranvier. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to potassium ions during an action potential?

They exit the cell before sodium ions enter. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily triggers the depolarization phase of an action potential?

The influx of Na⁺ ions. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the concentration gradient have on sodium ions (Na⁺) during resting potential?

It pushes Na⁺ into the neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the driving force acting upon potassium ions (K⁺) in the neuron?

Weak outward driving force Signup and view all the answers

How does the concentration of chloride ions (Cl⁻) affect their movement into the neuron?

Cl⁻ typically remains balanced due to electrostatic forces. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in the neuron during synaptic transmission?

To trigger neurotransmitter release. Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about diffusional forces in relation to ion movement?

They cause ions to move from high to low concentration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes electrostatic forces?

They attract positive ions to negatively charged areas. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to calcium ions (Ca²⁺) after they enter the neuron during synaptic transmission?

They are pumped out to maintain low intracellular levels. Signup and view all the answers

Why do potassium ions (K⁺) leak out of the neuron despite the concentration gradient?

Due to the selective permeability of the membrane. Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of GABA?

Glutamic acid decarboxylase Signup and view all the answers

What type of receptors do GABA and acetylcholine bind to?

Both ionotropic and metabotropic Signup and view all the answers

How is dopamine primarily recycled in presynaptic neurons?

Via dopamine transporters Signup and view all the answers

What role does GABA play in the central nervous system?

Regulating muscle tone Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of acetylcholine being broken down in the synaptic cleft?

Choline and acetate are produced Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters is NOT primarily synthesized from amino acids?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with dysregulation of dopamine?

Parkinson’s disease Signup and view all the answers

Which type of receptors can acetylcholine bind to?

Both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biopsychology

Biopsychology is the study of the biological basis of behavior.
The field is also known as Behavioral Neuroscience
It seeks to understand how the brain and other bodily systems influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems

Central Nervous System: Includes the brain and spinal cord, processes and integrates sensory information, and is responsible for higher cognitive functions.
Peripheral Nervous System: Consists of all nerves outside the CNS, connects the CNS to the rest of the body, and transmits sensory information to the CNS and motor commands from the CNS to muscles.

Animal Species Used in Biopsychology Research

Rodents -- particularly rats and mice
Non-human primates -- such as macaques and marmosets are used often
Aquatic vertebrates -- fish and frogs are common
Others -- squid, flies, and worms are also used

Major Components of a Typical Cell

Plasma membrane: Outer layer that controls what enters and exits the cell, composed of a phospholipid bilayer.
Nucleus: Control center of the cell, containing most of the cell's DNA and the nucleolus which produces ribosomes.
Cytoplasm: Gel-like substance that fills the cell and contains organelles.
Mitochondria: Powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing energy (ATP).
Endoplasmic reticulum: Network of membranes involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.
Golgi apparatus: Modifies and packages proteins for transport.
Lysosomes: Break down waste materials.

Diffusional and Electrostatic Forces

Diffusional forces: Movement of ions from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.
Electrostatic forces: Movement of ions based on their electrical charge, opposite charges attract, and like charges repel.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

The sodium-potassium pump maintains the electrochemical gradient across the neuron membrane.
It pumps 3 sodium ions out of the cell for every 2 potassium ions pumped into the cell.
This energy-intensive process requires ATP.

Action Potential

Originates at the axon hillock, the trigger zone.
Travels down the axon towards the axon terminals.
Propagated by depolarizing sections of the membrane in a wave-like manner.

Myelin and Saltatory Conduction

Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates axons, improving the speed of action potential transmission.
Myelin is produced by Schwann cells in the PNS and oligodendrocytes in the CNS.
Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath, where action potentials occur.
Saltatory conduction is the "jumping" of the action potential from one node to the next, speeding up transmission.

Electrical and Chemical Synapses

Electrical synapses: Direct ion flow between cells via gap junctions; fast but less flexible, simpler than chemical synapses.
Chemical synapses: Use neurotransmitters to transfer signals across the synaptic cleft; slower but highly adaptable.

Neurotransmitter Release: Proteins and Ions

Calcium ions (Ca²+): trigger vesicle fusion with the presynaptic membrane.
SNARE proteins (syntaxin, SNAP-25, synaptobrevin) are essential for vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release.

Steps of Neurotransmitter Release

Action potential arrives at the axon terminal.
Voltage-gated Ca²+ channels open allowing calcium to enter the terminal.
Synaptic vesicles fuse with the membrane, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell.

Ligands and Receptors

Ligands: Molecules that bind to receptors, such as neurotransmitters.
Receptors: Proteins on the cell surface that bind to ligands and initiate a response.

Ionotropic and Metabotropic Receptors

Ionotropic receptors: Receptors are ion channels that allow ions to flow rapidly through when open.
Metabotropic receptors: Receptors are linked to intracellular signaling pathways involving second messengers.

Synaptic Transmission: Key Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in muscle contraction (PNS), autonomic nervous system functions, attention, learning, and memory (CNS).
Dopamine: Regulates reward and motivation, motor control, and mood.
GABA: The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, involved in reducing neural excitability, regulating muscle tone, and preventing overstimulation.

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Description

Explore the fascinating field of Biopsychology, which examines the biological basis of behavior. This quiz covers the central and peripheral nervous systems, key animal species used in research, and the major components of a typical cell. Test your knowledge in this interdisciplinary area of study!