Neurobiology of Psychology Overview

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Questions and Answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Nerves = Stringlike bundles of axons and dendrites CNS = Central Nervous System consisting of brain and spinal cord Neurotransmitters = Chemicals used for communication between neurons Refractory Period = Brief resting pause after a neuron has fired

Match the following phases of action potential with their characteristics:

Resting Potential = Stable potential of approximately -70 mV Depolarization = Membrane potential rapidly shifts to approximately +30 mV Repolarization = Return of membrane potential to its negative resting state Hyperpolarization = Undershoot of resting membrane potential

Match the following ion distributions with their respective locations:

Potassium ions (K+) = Higher concentration inside the neuron Sodium ions (Na+) = Higher concentration outside the neuron Calcium ions (Ca2+) = Generally low concentration inside the neuron Chloride ions (Cl-) = Also primarily found outside the neuron

Match the following processes during action potential with their descriptions:

Opening of sodium channels = Triggers depolarization by allowing Na+ influx Closure of sodium channels = Inactivates shortly after depolarization Opening of potassium channels = Allows K+ to flow out of the neuron Restoration of membrane potential = Reverts to resting state after action potential Signup and view all the answers

Match the following triggers with their effects on the nervous system:

Anger = Increases heart rate Severed nerves = Can regrow or be transplanted Neurons firing = Send information across synapses Action potentials = Trigger neurotransmitter release Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parts of the neuron with their functions:

Axons = Transmit signals away from the cell body Dendrites = Receive signals from other neurons Synapses = Points of communication between neurons Myelin sheath = Insulates axons to enhance signal conduction Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of signals in the nervous system with their characteristics:

Excitatory signals = Increase the likelihood of action potentials Inhibitory signals = Decrease the likelihood of action potentials Threshold = Level that triggers action potential generation Resting state = Stable condition of a neuron before activation Signup and view all the answers

Match the following neurotransmitters with their functions:

Dopamine = Regulates mood and reward pathways Serotonin = Influences mood and emotional states Acetylcholine = Involved in muscle contraction and memory Glutamate = Main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parts of a neuron with their functions:

Dendrite = Receives signals from other neurons Soma (Cell Body) = Manufactures chemicals and maintains neuron Axon = Transmits signals away from the cell body Presynaptic terminals = Stores neurotransmitters for communication Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of brain cells with their descriptions:

Glial Cells = Provide scaffolding and insulation for neurons Neurons = Specialized cells for transmitting signals Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) = Consists of nerves throughout the body Synapse = Space between neurons for communication Signup and view all the answers

Match the following brain facts with their details:

Human brain weight = About 1,350 grams Major divisions of the mature brain = Three divisions Total number of brain cells = About 1 trillion cells Brain's consistency = Similar to firm JELL-O Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of cells with their approximate quantities:

Glial Cells = About 900 billion Neurons = About 100 billion Genes = About 20,000 to 25,000 Electrical signals = Transmitted via axons Signup and view all the answers

Match the components of a neuron with their characteristics:

Dendrite = Branchlike extensions of the neuron Axon = Single threadlike structure Soma = Egg-shaped structure providing fuel Synapse = Infinitely small space between cells Signup and view all the answers

Match the following brain development facts:

Six-Week-Old Brain = Shows major divisions Mature Brain = Weighs almost 3 pounds Fuel type for brain = Sugar (glucose) Entire brain's cell count = Contains 1 trillion cells Signup and view all the answers

Match the neurotransmitter activity with its location:

Presynaptic terminals = Store neurotransmitters Dendrite = Receive signals Axon terminal = Transmit signals to neighboring cells Soma = Maintain neuron health Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of cell communication with the described functions:

Neurons = Transmit electrical signals Glial Cells = Support and insulate neurons Synapse = Connects neuron to its target Dendrites = Receive messages from other neurons 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 basis of psychology, focusing on the human brain, its development, and the role of genes. Discover key facts about the brain's weight, color, consistency, and its complex developmental process. Test your understanding of the intricate connection between biology and psychology.