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Questions and Answers
What term describes the large central mass of a neuron that contains the nucleus?
What term describes the large central mass of a neuron that contains the nucleus?
Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily inhibitory?
Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily inhibitory?
What is the primary role of axons in neuron communication?
What is the primary role of axons in neuron communication?
What does an excitatory neurotransmitter do when it connects to a neuron?
What does an excitatory neurotransmitter do when it connects to a neuron?
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Which neurotransmitter is known for influencing mood, appetite, and sleep?
Which neurotransmitter is known for influencing mood, appetite, and sleep?
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What process involves the return of neurotransmitter molecules to the axon terminal?
What process involves the return of neurotransmitter molecules to the axon terminal?
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Which of the following methods is used to observe brain processes?
Which of the following methods is used to observe brain processes?
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What is the primary role of dendrites in a neuron?
What is the primary role of dendrites in a neuron?
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What is the primary function of the thalamus in the nervous system?
What is the primary function of the thalamus in the nervous system?
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Which part of the brain is responsible for processing memories?
Which part of the brain is responsible for processing memories?
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What does lateralization of brain function refer to?
What does lateralization of brain function refer to?
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What was the main premise of phrenology?
What was the main premise of phrenology?
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Which structure is primarily involved in coordinating balance and voluntary movement?
Which structure is primarily involved in coordinating balance and voluntary movement?
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What characterizes split-brain patients?
What characterizes split-brain patients?
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Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing visual information?
Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing visual information?
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What role do neurons play in the nervous system?
What role do neurons play in the nervous system?
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Which structure connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres?
Which structure connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres?
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The prefrontal cortex is primarily associated with which of the following functions?
The prefrontal cortex is primarily associated with which of the following functions?
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Study Notes
Biopsychology Overview
- Studies the interplay of biology, behavior, and mental processes.
- Focuses on the nervous system's structure and activity (brain) in relation to behavior and mental functions.
- Research methods include clinical observations and post-mortem examinations.
Phrenology
- Hypothesized that skull bumps were linked to personality traits and abilities.
- Suggested functional localization in the brain for behaviors.
- Considered pseudoscientific without empirical support.
The Brainstem
- Vital for automatic survival functions including heart rate and respiration.
- Composed of midbrain, pons, medulla, and thalamus.
Cerebellum
- Coordinates voluntary movements and balances body posture.
- Connects to the brainstem, aiding skilled movements and higher cognitive processing.
The Limbic System
- Regulates basic drives, emotions, and memory functions.
- Hippocampus is crucial for memory processing.
- Amygdala, located in the temporal lobe, is essential for emotion regulation.
Thalamus
- Acts as a sensory switchboard atop the brainstem.
- Directs sensory messages to the cortex and influences arousal, learning, and memory.
Cerebral Cortex
- Serves as the brain's control center and information processing hub.
- Thin layer of neurons on the outer cerebral hemispheres.
- Divided into lobes with distinct functions:
- Frontal lobe: motor control, cognitive processes, executive functions, language.
- Prefrontal cortex: behavior planning, attention, judgment.
- Parietal lobe: processes touch, pain, temperature, and body position.
- Occipital lobe: handles visual information.
- Temporal lobe: processes auditory information.
Corpus Callosum
- Connects the brain's left and right hemispheres.
- Transfers information between different brain lobes and from the body via the spinal cord.
Split Brain
- Refers to patients with a surgically severed corpus callosum.
- Results in duality of consciousness, with separate awareness in each hemisphere.
Right and Left Brain Lateralization
- Certain functions are localized to either the right or left hemisphere.
- Language is predominantly managed by the left hemisphere, associated with handedness.
- Left hemisphere is linked to mathematical and logical reasoning, while emotional behavior relates more to the right hemisphere.
Neurons and Glia
- Neurons transmit and receive information; bundles of neurons form nerves.
- Cell body contains the nucleus, while axons relay information, comprising white and gray matter.
- Dendrites receive signals from other neurons.
Myelin and the Blood-Brain Barrier
- Myelin sheath insulates some axons, enhancing signal speed.
- Blood-brain barrier protects the brain but may be excessively restrictive at times.
Neurotransmitters
- Chemical messengers facilitating communication across synapses.
- Types include:
- Excitatory neurotransmitters: Increase the likelihood of neuron firing.
- Inhibitory neurotransmitters: Decrease firing likelihood.
Functions of Neurotransmitters
- Influence neuronal firing patterns and connect brain networks.
- Affect reactions to stimuli, memory formation, and information processing.
Types of Neurotransmitters
- Acetylcholine (Ach): Affects movement, memory, and autonomic functions.
- Epinephrine: Boosts arousal.
- Norepinephrine: Impacts arousal and vigilance.
- Dopamine: Involves movement, planning, and reward-seeking behavior.
- Serotonin: Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
- Glutamate: Enhances brain activity excitation.
Brain Activity Observation Techniques
- Intracranial electrodes: Monitor electrical activity in the brain.
- PET scans: Visualize brain metabolism.
- fMRI: Measures brain activity through blood flow.
- DTI: Maps white matter connections.
- EEG: Records electrical activity via electrodes placed on the scalp.
- Lesion studies: Analyze effects of brain damage on functions.
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Description
Explore the fascinating field of biopsychology, which examines the connection between biology, behavior, and mental processes. This quiz covers the nervous system's structure and activity, along with historical approaches like phrenology. Test your understanding of how biological factors influence psychological phenomena.
