Neurophysiology and Neurotransmitters Quiz

Which brain area is responsible for basic maintenance of arousal, survival, and coordination?

The hindbrain, including structures such as the medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum.

What structures are part of the midbrain and are responsible for innating/activating behavior?

The reticular formation, periaqueductal gray (PAG), substancia nigra, and ventral tegmental area (VTA).

What is the function of the limbic system within the nervous system?

The limbic system is involved in the control of motivations, emotions, and memory.

Which brain structures are associated with executive functions and can be affected by drugs, leading to impairment in executive functioning?

The prefrontal cortex and other major forebrain structures. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

The two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What neurotransmitter is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system?

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

The function of the sympathetic nervous system is to initiate the fight-or-flight response, often associated with activities requiring energy and alertness. Signup and view all the answers

How do depressants, sedatives, and hypnotics tend to affect the autonomic nervous system?

Depressants, sedatives, and hypnotics tend to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the spinal cord in the central nervous system (CNS)?

The spinal cord in the central nervous system (CNS) serves as a relay station for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Signup and view all the answers

How many neurons are present in the brain?

There are approximately 100 billion neurons in the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two sides of the brain, and what are their functions?

The two sides of the brain are the dorsal/back side, which receives incoming messages from sensory nerves to the brain, and the ventral/stomach side, which sends outgoing messages to muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What causes the subjective experiences of psychoactive drugs?

The subjective experiences of psychoactive drugs are caused by the ability of a drug to alter the normal functions of the nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the limbic system within the nervous system?

The limbic system is involved in the control of motivations, emotions, and memory. Signup and view all the answers

What structures are part of the hindbrain and what functions do they serve?

The hindbrain includes the medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum, which are responsible for basic maintenance of arousal, survival, and coordination. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain area is associated with executive functions and how can drugs affect its activity?

The prefrontal cortex is associated with executive functions, and many drugs can decrease its activity, leading to impairment in executive functioning. Signup and view all the answers

What structures are part of the midbrain and how do they connect to other brain areas?

The midbrain includes the reticular formation, periaqueductal gray (PAG), substantia nigra, and ventral tegmental area (VTA), which connect the hindbrain to the forebrain. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system in terms of their sensory functions and awareness.

The somatic nervous system is made up of sensory nerves from conscious senses, while the autonomic nervous system is concerned with sensory systems that we are not usually aware of. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system and its effect on bodily functions.

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. It tends to promote rest-and-digest activities, such as slowing heart rate and stimulating digestion. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the impact of sympathetic nervous system activation on the body and the neurotransmitter associated with this response.

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight response, leading to increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and heightened alertness. The neurotransmitter associated with this response is epinephrine (adrenaline). Signup and view all the answers

Explain how drugs can affect the peripheral nervous system and the significance of their exogenous nature.

Many drugs engage one or more systems in the peripheral nervous system, often surpassing the effects of natural stimuli. Their exogenous nature means they are external substances that affect the body's sensitive systems. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure and function of the central nervous system, including the role of the spinal cord and brain.

The central nervous system consists of the spinal cord and the brain, which houses approximately 100 billion neurons. The spinal cord acts as a relay station for incoming and outgoing messages, while the brain coordinates various sensory and motor functions. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the subjective experiences of psychoactive drugs and how they relate to the alteration of normal nervous system functions.

Subjective experiences of psychoactive drugs are caused by their ability to modify the normal functions of the nervous system, leading to altered perceptions, moods, and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the impact of depressants, sedatives, and hypnotics on the autonomic nervous system and the type of response they tend to trigger.

Depressants, sedatives, and hypnotics tend to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, reduced heart rate, and drowsiness. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the divisions of the autonomic nervous system and their respective functions in regulating bodily responses.

The autonomic nervous system consists of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions. The parasympathetic division promotes rest-and-digest activities, while the sympathetic division triggers the fight-or-flight response. Signup and view all the answers