Neurons Unit 2.1 Notes

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?

To send messages to other neurons

To receive messages and extend them to the cell body (correct)

To provide insulation for the neuron

To trigger action potential

Which term describes the brief electrical charge that travels down a neuron?

Neurotransmitter

Action Potential (correct)

Synapse

Myelin Sheath

What occurs during the refractory period in neural processing?

The axon returns to its resting state before firing again (correct)

The neuron fires again without delay

The neuron prepares to fire again immediately

A neuron's threshold is exceeded

How is the all-or-nothing response of a neuron best described?

A neuron's reaction is either firing or not firing Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with muscle action, learning, and memory?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What effect does serotonin have on mood and emotional state?

It affects mood, hunger, sleep, and emotional state Signup and view all the answers

What role do neurotransmitters serve in neuron communication?

They carry messages across the synaptic gap Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of glutamate in the nervous system?

Facilitating message movement across the synapse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of endorphins?

Influencing pain perception and stress reduction Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron carries messages from the body's tissues to the brain and spinal cord?

Sensory neurons Signup and view all the answers

What describes the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Stimulates fight or flight responses Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord?

Central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pituitary gland play in the endocrine system?

Controls growth and regulates other glands Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following systems governs the involuntary processes such as heart rate and digestion?

Autonomic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Consciousness is best defined as:

Awareness of oneself and the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is sequential processing?

Processing one aspect of a problem at a time Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes inattentional blindness?

Failing to see visible objects when attention is elsewhere Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of REM sleep?

To facilitate vivid dreams Signup and view all the answers

How does sleep deprivation affect the body?

It increases cortisol levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of insomnia?

Difficulty in falling and staying asleep Signup and view all the answers

Which sleep disorder involves episodes of uncontrollable sleep?

Narcolepsy Signup and view all the answers

What is a healthy sleep habit?

Avoiding stimulation before bed Signup and view all the answers

What does the circadian rhythm refer to?

An internal biological clock on a 24-hour cycle Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neurons and Plasticity

Plasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself, particularly in childhood, by forming new connections or rewiring after injuries.

Neuron Structure

Dendrite: Receives incoming messages and directs them to the cell body.
Axon: Transmits messages away from the neuron to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
Action Potential: A brief electrical impulse that travels along the axon when a neuron fires.
Myelin Sheath: Protective covering of neurons that enhances transmission speed and supports overall neuron health.
Synapse: The gap where communication occurs between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another.

Neuron Communication

Threshold: Minimum stimulation needed to trigger a neural impulse.
Refractory Period: A brief recovery time after a neuron fires during which it cannot fire again.
All-or-Nothing Response: A neuron's firing is an all-or-nothing event; it either fires or does not.
Neurotransmitters: Chemicals released by neurons that cross synapses to transmit signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
Reuptake: The process where sending neurons reabsorb neurotransmitters after signal transmission.

Key Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine: Essential for muscle movement, learning, and memory; deficits linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Dopamine: Influences pleasure, movement, and attention; imbalances associated with schizophrenia (oversupply) and Parkinson’s disease (undersupply).
Serotonin: Regulates mood, hunger, and sleep; low levels can lead to depression.
Norepinephrine: Plays a role in arousal and alertness; imbalances can lead to mood disorders.
GABA: Main inhibitory neurotransmitter, crucial for regulating anxiety and sleep; its deficiency can lead to seizures.
Glutamate: Major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning; excessive levels can cause overexcitement and damage.
Endorphins: Modulate pain and pleasure; mimic opiates, with excess opiate use decreasing natural endorphin levels.

Nervous System Overview

Comprises all nerve cells in the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous systems (PNS), facilitating rapid electrochemical communication.

Types of Neurons

Sensory Neurons: Convey sensory information from body parts to the brain and spinal cord.
Motor Neurons: Transmit commands from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.
Interneurons: Connect sensory and motor neurons in the CNS.

Peripheral Nervous System Components

Somatic Nervous System: Manages voluntary control of skeletal muscles.
Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary functions, further divided into:
- Sympathetic: Activates "fight or flight" responses.
- Parasympathetic: Promotes energy conservation and "rest and digest" functions.

Endocrine System

A slow communication system using hormones secreted into the bloodstream by glands, including the influential pituitary gland, which regulates growth and controls other glands.

Consciousness and Attention

Consciousness: Awareness of self and environment.
Sequential Processing: Tackles one problem aspect at a time.
Parallel Processing: Handles multiple data aspects simultaneously.
Attention: Selectively focus on specific stimuli; limitations can lead to inattentional and change blindness.

Sleep and Dreams

Circadian Rhythm: Biological clock governing 24-hour cycles.
Sleep Stages: Include REM sleep (vivid dreaming and paradoxical sleep) and differing brain wave patterns (e.g., alpha, delta).

Importance of Sleep

Sleep aids in protection, recovery, memory stabilization, creativity enhancement, and growth support.
Sleep deprivation can lead to depression, immune dysfunction, impaired attention, weight gain, increased stress hormone levels, and heightened limbic responses.

Sleep Disorders

Insomnia: Difficulty in falling/staying asleep.
Narcolepsy: Uncontrollable sleep attacks, occasionally entering REM sleep immediately.
Sleep Apnea: Repeated cessation of breathing during sleep, disrupting oxygen supply.

Healthy Sleep Practices

Adhere to a set schedule, minimize stimulation pre-bedtime (including screen time), limit naps, maintain a cool sleeping environment, and avoid substances that disrupt sleep patterns.

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Description

This quiz covers fundamental concepts related to neurons including the definition of plasticity, the structure of neurons, and the action potential. Explore how neurons communicate and adapt through different pathways based on experience. Ideal for students studying psychology or neuroscience.