Neurobiological Basis of Psychology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of glial cells in the brain?

Transmit electrical signals to other neurons

Provide scaffolding and insulation for neurons (correct)

Control the flow of blood to the brain

Store chemical neurotransmitters

What distinguishes a neuron from other types of brain cells?

Neurons have a soma and synapse

Neurons lack chemical instructions from genes

Neurons do not conduct electrical signals

Neurons can transmit signals and have specialized extensions (correct)

Which of the following statements about the mature human brain is true?

It has about 100 billion cells

It weighs approximately 1 pound

It contains 3 major divisions (correct)

It primarily consists of glial cells

What role do neurotransmitters play in neuron communication?

Facilitate communication between neurons at synapses Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate weight of a human brain?

About 1,350 grams Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

Receiving signals from other neurons or sensory organs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the presynaptic terminals of a neuron?

They contain neurotransmitters that are released to communicate with neighboring cells Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the nervous system are nerves located?

Throughout the body, excluding the brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What maintains the stable resting membrane potential in a neuron?

Presence of large negatively charged proteins inside Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels in a neuron?

When the membrane potential reaches about -55 mV Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during repolarization of a neuron?

Potassium efflux restores resting potential Signup and view all the answers

What is hyperpolarization in the context of neuron activity?

The undershoot of the resting potential after repolarization Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the refractory period in neural processing?

Subsequent action potentials cannot occur immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding neurotransmitters?

They enable communication between neurons Signup and view all the answers

What may happen after a neuron has fired an action potential?

Potassium leaves the neuron to repolarize Signup and view all the answers

What allows for the regrowth or transplantation of severed nerves?

The ability of nerves to regrow and reattach Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of the Human Brain

Genes consist of chemical chains that influence the development of the brain and body, with 20,000 to 25,000 identified.
The mature human brain weighs approximately 1,350 grams and has a pinkish-white color, resembling firm JELL-O.
Contains about 1 trillion cells and has three major divisions.

Key Cell Types in the Brain

Glial Cells: Approximately 900 billion; provide structural support, insulation for neurons, and release chemicals that affect neuron growth.
Neurons: About 100 billion; specialized cells designed for receiving and transmitting electrical signals.

Neuron Structure and Function

Dendrites: Branched extensions from the cell body that receive signals from other cells.
Soma (Cell Body): Egg-shaped structure that maintains neuron function and produces necessary chemicals.
Axon: Long structure that transmits signals away from the cell body.
Presynaptic Terminals (End Bulbs): Store neurotransmitters for communication with adjacent cells.
Synapse: Microscopic gap (20-30 billionths of a meter) between neurons where signal transmission occurs.

Nervous System Components

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Comprises nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, composed of bundled axons and dendrites; nerves can regenerate if damaged.
Central Nervous System (CNS): Composed of neurons located in the brain and spinal cord.

Information Transmission in Neurons

Resting Potential: Neurons maintain a stable membrane potential of about -70 mV; the inside is negatively charged due to potassium ions and negatively charged proteins.
Threshold: If membrane potential reaches -55 mV, voltage-gated sodium channels open, initiating an action potential.
Depolarization: Sodium ions influx leads to rapid membrane potential change, reaching +30 mV.
Repolarization: Sodium channels close, potassium channels open to restore the negative potential.
Hyperpolarization: Potassium efflux may overshoot, temporarily decreasing membrane potential below baseline.
Refractory Period: A brief pause after neuron firing during which new action potentials cannot occur.

Neurotransmitters

Approximately a dozen different chemicals vital for neuron communication that facilitate mental and physical activities.

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Description

This quiz explores the neurobiological foundation of psychology, focusing on the human brain's structure and development. Learn about genes, brain weight, and early developmental stages. Test your knowledge on how these elements contribute to our understanding of psychology.