Neuroscience and Behavior Quiz

A chemical messenger that transmits signals across the synapse between neurons or from neurons to other cells.

The space between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received.

A type of neurotransmitter that increases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

A type of neurotransmitter that decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

A chemical messenger produced by glands in the endocrine system that travels through the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions.

A disorder where the immune system attacks acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle weakness.

The junction between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles.

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and memory.

The intricate interplay between genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental influences (nurture) in shaping human behavior and mental processes.

The entire network of nerve cells (neurons) that transmits information throughout the body, controlling everything from reflexes to complex thoughts.

Specialized cells in the brain and nervous system that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.

The process by which neurons communicate with each other, involving electrical impulses and chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

Substances that alter brain function and behavior, affecting the way neurotransmitters work.

The control center of the nervous system, responsible for processing information, controlling behavior, and forming thoughts.

The natural cycle of sleep and wakefulness regulated by the brain, influencing behavior and mental processes across the day and night.

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction, memory, attention, and learning. It helps nerves communicate with muscles.

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, movement, and learning. It plays a crucial role in motivation and attention.

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and anxiety. It helps stabilize emotions and promotes a sense of well-being.

This neurotransmitter can be blocked by medications like those for schizophrenia. This can cause symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

ACh is essential for muscle function and memory. Low levels can cause muscle weakness, memory loss, and even Alzheimer's disease.

Low levels of dopamine are linked to Parkinson's disease, causing tremors, rigidity, and movement difficulties.

Low serotonin levels can contribute to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability.

Serotonin syndrome can occur with excess serotonin, leading to agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and muscle spasms.

A substance that binds to a receptor and mimics the effect of a neurotransmitter, amplifying its signal.

A substance that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking the effect of a neurotransmitter.

A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in learning and memory formation, influencing cognitive functions.

A neurotransmitter involved in pain perception, inflammation, and mood regulation.

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in pain perception and is associated with chronic pain conditions.

A condition characterized by excessive glutamate signaling, leading to neuronal damage and potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases.

A drug that inhibits the release of glutamate, helping to prevent excessive neuronal activity and potential damage.

The body's natural 24-hour cycle that regulates processes like sleep, hormone release, and body temperature.

A temporary sleep disruption that occurs when your internal clock gets out of sync with a new time zone.

A work schedule that involves hours outside of the traditional 9-to-5, often including night shifts.

A tool that measures different stages of sleep by monitoring brain waves, eye movements, and muscle activity.

The lightest stage of sleep, characterized by slow eye movements and a decrease in heart rate and muscle activity.

A type of sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to daytime sleepiness.

A sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, often accompanied by sudden sleep attacks during the day.

The intentional severing of the corpus callosum, a thick band of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, often performed to treat severe epilepsy.

The left hemisphere of the brain is typically specialized for language, logic, and analytical processing. It controls the right side of the body.

The right hemisphere of the brain is specialized for spatial awareness, creativity, visual-musical processing, and recognizing faces. It controls the left side of the body.

The ability to process and interpret sensory information, such as visual, auditory, or touch, is impaired despite the sensory organs working correctly, often caused by damage to association areas.

The idea that each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. For example, the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body, and the right hemisphere controls the left side.

Our subjective awareness of ourselves, our thoughts, and our surroundings - from immediate perceptions to deeper internal states and emotions.

A natural state of rest for the body and mind characterized by reduced consciousness, inactivity, and lowered responsiveness to external stimuli.

The state of being alert and aware of our surroundings, in contrast to sleep or unconsciousness. It involves active brain processes and the ability to respond to stimuli.