Development of Human Behavior - Nature vs Nurture

Questions and Answers

What occurs when an incoming signal from another neuron is sufficient to reach the threshold of excitation?

The neuron hyperpolarizes.

The neuron remains at resting potential.

The action potential is initiated. (correct)

The neurotransmitter is released immediately.

How does the action potential travel down the axon?

Through a continuous wave of electrical signals.

Via the movement of neurotransmitters.

By jumping between the Nodes of Ranvier. (correct)

By sending signals back to the cell body.

What is the role of the synaptic vesicles at the terminal button?

To absorb excess neurotransmitters.

To block the action potential from traveling.

To create new action potentials.

To release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. (correct)

What best describes the process of reuptake in neuronal communication?

Neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the releasing neuron. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best characterizes neuronal communication?

It is an electrochemical event involving both electrical signals and neurotransmitter release. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of Tay-Sachs disease?

Inability to break down fat Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron is responsible for processing sensory input into meaningful representations?

Interneurons Signup and view all the answers

Which structure carries an action potential away from the soma of a neuron?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

What role do glial cells play in the nervous system?

Provide support for neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is a result of prenatal exposure to alcohol?

Fetal alcohol syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Myelin sheath?

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

What is the purpose of neurotransmitters?

To transmit signals across the synaptic gap Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glial cells wraps around the axons of neurons to form the myelin sheath?

Oligodendroglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of developmental psychology?

Patterns of growth and change throughout life Signup and view all the answers

What do 'nature' and 'nurture' refer to in human development?

Nature involves hereditary causes, while nurture involves environmental causes Signup and view all the answers

During which period does the zygote become familiarized with the sperm?

Germinal Period Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Accumulation of poisons leading to intellectual disabilities Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of chromosomes are present at conception?

23 pairs Signup and view all the answers

What is the fetal period characterized by?

Movement strong enough for the mother to sense Signup and view all the answers

How many genes do humans have approximately?

20,000 to 25,000 Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells?

Sickle-cell anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of unipolar neurons?

Relay information forward Signup and view all the answers

How many neurites does a bipolar neuron have?

One axon and one dendrite Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the neuron's internal charge during the influx of positive ions?

It becomes more positive Signup and view all the answers

Which ions are primarily involved in the resting potential of a neuron?

Sodium and Potassium Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the sodium gates close during neuronal communication?

Potassium ions exit the cell Signup and view all the answers

During which state does a neuron maintain a higher concentration of Potassium ions inside?

Resting potential Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the change in a neuron's state from resting potential?

Signal received by the neuron Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the level a neuron's internal charge must reach to trigger action potential?

Threshold of excitation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature and Nurture

Developmental psychology explores growth and change throughout life stages.
Nature represents hereditary influences, while nurture encompasses environmental factors impacting behavior.
Both nature and nurture are crucial in shaping developmental outcomes.

Basics of Genetics

A fertilized egg (zygote) contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, holding hereditary information.
Genes are smaller units that transmit genetic information, consisting of DNA sequences.
Humans possess approximately 20,000 to 25,000 different genes.

Earliest Development

Germinal Period (first two weeks): Formation of zygote.
Embryonic Period (weeks 2-8): Development of key organs and structures, including a beating heart and brain.
Fetal Period (week 8 to birth): Strengthening of movements and functioning of major organs.

Genetic Influences on the Fetus

95-98% of pregnancies have normal development, while 2-5% are affected by defects.
Common genetic issues include:
- Phenylketonuria (PKU): Inability to produce necessary enzyme, leading to intellectual disabilities.
- Sickle-cell anemia: Causes pain and various health issues due to abnormal red blood cells.
- Tay-Sachs disease: Early mortality, inability to metabolize fat.
- Down syndrome: Extra chromosome resulting in severe mental disabilities.

Prenatal Environmental Influences

Maternal nutrition affects fetal health.
Alcohol can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD), resulting in growth and cognitive impairments.
Maternal illnesses and drug use also impact fetal development.

The Structure of a Neuron

Neurons consist of dendrites, soma (cell body), nucleus, and axon.
Myelin sheath insulates the axon, enhancing signal transmission.
Synaptic structures include terminal buttons, presynaptic terminal button (signal sender), and postsynaptic membrane (signal receiver).

Types of Cells in the Brain

Sensory Neurons: Receive information from the environment.
Motor Neurons: Initiate movement and enable interaction with surroundings.
Interneurons: Process sensory input into meaningful representations.
Glial Cells: Support neuronal health and functionality.

Three Main Categories of Neurons

Unipolar Neurons: One axon, no dendrites; ideal for relaying information.
Bipolar Neurons: One axon, one dendrite; involved in sensory perception (e.g., light).
Multipolar Neurons: One axon, multiple dendrites; allow interactions between various neurons.

Neuronal Communication

Neurons operate in a fluid environment (cytoplasm).
Membrane potential influences electrical signals.
Resting potential indicates readiness to signal, dependent on ion concentrations (Na+ outside, K+ inside).

Action Potential and Signal Transmission

Neurons shift from resting potential to action potential when sufficiently stimulated.
Sodium gates close, and potassium gates open during repolarization, which stabilizes the neuron back to resting state.
Action potentials travel down axons using Nodes of Ranvier for efficiency.

Synaptic Transmission

Action potential triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on neighboring neurons, continuing the signaling process.
Excess neurotransmitters are either reabsorbed or broken down to clear the synapse.

Electrochemical Events

Neuronal communication is classified as an electrochemical process, combining electrical action potential and chemical neurotransmission.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of human behavior development, focusing on the interplay between nature and nurture. Understand how genetic and environmental factors contribute to human growth and psychological patterns throughout life. Test your knowledge in developmental psychology and its key principles.