Neuroscience Chapter 5

Neurotransmitters move across the synaptic cleft through a process called diffusion, where they passively spread from an area of high concentration (the synaptic terminal) to an area of low concentration (the synaptic cleft).

When neurotransmitters reach the post-synaptic cell, they bind to receptors on the post-synaptic cell membrane, initiating a signal transduction cascade that ultimately leads to changes in the post-synaptic cell's activity.

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that regulate pain by blocking pain signals and promoting feelings of pleasure and well-being.

Learning involves neural plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experiences. Active participation in learning activities like practice groups, organizers, and lab workshops facilitate the formation of new neural connections and enhance learning.

Calcium ions are essential for the release of neurotransmitters. When an action potential arrives at the synaptic terminal, it triggers the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels. The influx of calcium ions causes synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters to fuse with the presynaptic membrane and release their contents into the synaptic cleft.

A hypothesis is a testable statement that proposes a possible explanation for an observation or phenomenon. It is a prediction that can be tested through experimentation.

A prediction is a statement about what you expect to happen in an experiment based on your hypothesis.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent activity. It's a crucial mechanism for learning and memory.

The scientific method is a systematic process for investigating phenomena and gaining knowledge. It involves observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusion drawing.

The slope is the rate at which the dependent variable changes with respect to the independent variable in a linear function. It represents the steepness of the line.

Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. It's a fundamental process for transport in cells and organisms.

Surface area to volume ratio refers to the relationship between the outer surface area of a structure and its volume. It's crucial for cells because it affects their ability to exchange materials with their environment.

Variance is a statistical measure of the spread of data points around the mean. It quantifies how much each data point deviates from the average.

The t-test is a statistical test used to compare the means of two groups. It helps determine if the difference between the means is statistically significant or due to random chance.

The P-value in a statistical test represents the probability of obtaining the observed results if there is no real difference between the groups being compared. A lower P-value indicates stronger evidence against the null hypothesis.

The process of transferring information from short-term to long-term memory, often through repetition or elaboration.

The ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experiences. It's crucial for learning and memory.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a process that strengthens connections between neurons, making it easier for signals to travel along these pathways. It's like a workout for your brain that makes certain pathways more efficient.

The surface area to volume ratio is the relationship between the outer surface area of a structure and its volume. It's important for cells because it affects their ability to exchange substances with their surroundings.

The P-value represents the probability of obtaining the observed results if there's no real difference between the groups being compared. A lower P-value means it's less likely the difference is due to chance.

The highest power of the variable in a polynomial function.

A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

The proportion of the variance in the dependent variable (Y) that can be explained by the independent variable (X).

The probability that the true population mean lies outside the calculated confidence interval.

The movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration.

The passive movement of molecules down a concentration gradient, where they move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

The movement of molecules across a membrane with the help of a transport protein.

The process of transferring short-term memories into long-term memories.

The ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experiences.

A persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent activity. It is a crucial mechanism for learning and memory.

The amount of energy an object has due to its motion.

The ability of a cell to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

A change in the frequency of alleles in a population over time.

The process by which organisms produce offspring similar to themselves.

The process by which organisms obtain energy from their environment.

A group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area.

All the living organisms and their physical environment in a given area.

The branch of biology that studies the interactions between organisms and their environment.

The study of the structure and function of living organisms and their parts.

The process by which organisms break down food to release energy.

The process by which organisms convert light energy into chemical energy.

The basic unit of life.

Structures within a cell that carry out specific functions.

The process by which cells reproduce.

The process by which organisms adapt to their environment.

The study of the relationships between organisms and their environment.

A testable prediction about the outcome of an experiment.

The process of gathering and analyzing data to test a hypothesis.

The process of drawing conclusions from experimental data.

The study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.

The field of biology that studies the behavior of organisms.

The study of the structure and function of living organisms.

The study of the diversity of life and its evolutionary history.

The study of the genetic makeup of organisms and how it affects their traits.

The highest power of the variable in a polynomial equation. For example, in the equation y = 4x^3 + 2x^2 + x + 6, the order is 3 because the highest power of x is 3.

A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function in an organism. For example, muscle tissue is composed of muscle cells that contract and allow movement.

The probability of observing a difference between groups as large as the one observed, if there were truly no difference between the populations. A small p-value (often below 0.05) provides evidence against the null hypothesis (that there is no difference).

A type of molecular motion where particles move down a concentration gradient, meaning they move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

A number that describes a characteristic of a sample from a population.

A measure of the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables.

All the living organisms within a specific area.

The order of scientific disciplines based on their complexity and interdependence.

Specialized cells in the pancreas that regulate blood glucose levels.

The part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination.

The sections of the vertebral column, from the head to the tailbone.

Clusters of neuron cell bodies found in the peripheral nervous system.

A condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or resistance.

Supporting cells in the nervous system that provide structure, insulation, and nutrients.

Cells lining the ventricles of the brain that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord.

The peripheral nervous system is composed of nerves and ganglia located outside of the CNS.

A change in the genetic makeup of an organism that can alter its characteristics.

A type of diabetes caused by insufficient insulin production by the pancreas due to an autoimmune attack.

A type of diabetes characterized by insulin resistance, where the body doesn't use insulin effectively.