Brain and Behaviour Quiz 2

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Questions and Answers

What occurs when a neuron is stimulated and positively charged particles flow into the cell?

The neurotransmitters are absorbed by the axon terminals.

The neuron becomes negatively charged.

The resting potential is increased.

The action potential triggers the firing of the neuron. (correct)

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood, sleep, and appetite regulation?

Acetylcholine

Dopamine

GABA

Serotonin (correct)

What term describes the state of a neuron when it is not firing?

Resting potential (correct)

Neural impulse

Neural inhibition

Action potential

What best describes the 'all or nothing' principle of neuron firing?

Neurons either fire fully or not at all. Signup and view all the answers

What role do receptors play in the functioning of neurotransmitters?

They react only with specific neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in movement and REM sleep?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron is responsible for conducting the action potential to the axon terminals?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

What happens immediately after a neuron fires?

Some positive particles are pumped out of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sensory (afferent) neurons?

To bring information from the body's perimeter to the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What role do glial cells play in the nervous system?

Support neurons by holding them together and performing cleanup tasks Signup and view all the answers

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

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of interneurons?

Connect sensory neurons to motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the chemical released into the synaptic cleft?

Neurotransmitter Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for insulating the axon of a neuron?

Myelin sheath Signup and view all the answers

How many types of neurons are primarily involved in reflexes?

Three Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the synapse in neural communication?

It is a gap that neurotransmitters cross to transmit signals between neurons Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brain and Behavior Overview

Introduction of topic with emphasis on understanding neuronal responses to environmental stimuli.
Importance of completing Quiz 1 and Quiz 2 by September 22.

Descartes and Reflexes

René Descartes (1596-1650), a French philosopher, proposed that "animal spirits" flow through nerves to and from the brain.

Neurons

Neurons are specialized cells conducting impulses within the nervous system, serving as the smallest functional units of the brain.
Each neuron has a unique structure, ensuring no two neurons are identical.

Types of Neurons in Reflexes

Sensory (afferent) neurons: Transport information from the body's periphery to the central nervous system.
Motor (efferent) neurons: Relay information from the nervous system to muscles and glands.
Interneurons: Facilitate communication between sensory and motor neurons, processing messages between the two.

Glial Cells

Glial cells provide support for neurons, including waste removal, nurturing neurons, and forming myelin.
Smaller than neurons, these cells comprise more than half the brain's volume.

Neuron Anatomy

Cell Body (Soma): Contains the nucleus and organelles.
Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons.
Axon: Transmits impulses away from the neuron to other cells.

Synapse

The synapse is the gap between neurons where signals are transmitted via neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released into the synaptic cleft that bind to specific receptor sites on neighboring neurons, influencing their firing.

Neural Impulse Phases

Resting Potential: Neuron at rest has a slight negative charge inside relative to the outside.
Action Potential: Occurs when a neuron is stimulated, resulting in a sudden influx of positive particles that initiate firing.
Firing Process: The action potential travels down the axon, releasing neurotransmitters from axon terminals in an all-or-nothing response.
Return to Resting Potential: After firing, positive particles are pumped out, restoring the negative charge inside the neuron.

Receptor Sites

Specific sites on dendrites or cell bodies designed to react only with corresponding neurotransmitters.

Key Neurotransmitters and Their Functions

Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in movement, learning, memory, and REM sleep.
Dopamine (DA): Affects learning, attention, movement, and reinforcement.
Norepinephrine (NE): Influences eating habits and sleep patterns.
Epinephrine: Related to glucose metabolism and energy release during physical activity.
Serotonin: Impacts mood, sleep, impulsivity, aggression, and appetite control.
GABA: Functions as a neural inhibitor within the central nervous system.
Endorphins: Provide pain relief and contribute to feelings of pleasure and well-being.

Neural Networks

Neurons operate within complex networks, receiving excitatory and inhibitory messages from multiple neighboring neurons, contributing to reflex arcs.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of Brain and Behaviour, including key concepts from weeks 1-2. This quiz covers topics like neurons, the nervous system, and Descartes' notion of reflexes. Prepare for your quiz by reviewing major theories and contributions in the field of psychology.