Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the myelin sheath in neurons?
What is the primary function of the myelin sheath in neurons?
What are the small gaps in the myelin sheath called?
What are the small gaps in the myelin sheath called?
Which disorder is associated with reduced myelin and cognitive deficits?
Which disorder is associated with reduced myelin and cognitive deficits?
What happens in multiple sclerosis (MS)?
What happens in multiple sclerosis (MS)?
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What is the significance of the lock-and-key relationship between neurotransmitters and receptors?
What is the significance of the lock-and-key relationship between neurotransmitters and receptors?
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What is released into the synaptic cleft during neuronal communication?
What is released into the synaptic cleft during neuronal communication?
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What symptoms may result from the loss of myelin sheath in multiple sclerosis?
What symptoms may result from the loss of myelin sheath in multiple sclerosis?
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What role do synaptic vesicles play in neuronal communication?
What role do synaptic vesicles play in neuronal communication?
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What is the primary function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?
What is the primary function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?
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Which structure in the forebrain is primarily associated with emotion and memory?
Which structure in the forebrain is primarily associated with emotion and memory?
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What is the role of the reticular formation found in the midbrain?
What is the role of the reticular formation found in the midbrain?
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What part of the brain is responsible for automatic functions like breathing and heart rate?
What part of the brain is responsible for automatic functions like breathing and heart rate?
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Which area of the brain helps with coordination of movement and certain types of memory?
Which area of the brain helps with coordination of movement and certain types of memory?
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What is the primary function of the corpus callosum?
What is the primary function of the corpus callosum?
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In cases of severe epilepsy, what surgical procedure may be performed to control seizures?
In cases of severe epilepsy, what surgical procedure may be performed to control seizures?
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Which hemisphere is superior for pitch perception and negative emotions?
Which hemisphere is superior for pitch perception and negative emotions?
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What happens to split-brain patients when a picture is shown in the left visual field?
What happens to split-brain patients when a picture is shown in the left visual field?
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Why is it suggested to think about the interaction of both hemispheres?
Why is it suggested to think about the interaction of both hemispheres?
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Which of the following is NOT a function associated with the left hemisphere?
Which of the following is NOT a function associated with the left hemisphere?
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How many axons are approximately in the corpus callosum?
How many axons are approximately in the corpus callosum?
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What effect does severing the corpus callosum have on patients?
What effect does severing the corpus callosum have on patients?
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What triggered Terri Schiavo's cardiac arrest?
What triggered Terri Schiavo's cardiac arrest?
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What condition did Terri Schiavo suffer from after her brain was deprived of oxygen?
What condition did Terri Schiavo suffer from after her brain was deprived of oxygen?
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Why did Schiavo’s husband argue for the removal of her feeding tube?
Why did Schiavo’s husband argue for the removal of her feeding tube?
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What part of Schiavo’s brain was still intact and responsible for involuntary movements?
What part of Schiavo’s brain was still intact and responsible for involuntary movements?
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How long did it take for the courts to rule in favor of Schiavo's husband?
How long did it take for the courts to rule in favor of Schiavo's husband?
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What was one possible reason for Schiavo's eye movements and groans?
What was one possible reason for Schiavo's eye movements and groans?
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How much were Terri Schiavo's medical costs estimated to be over the 15 years she was on a feeding tube?
How much were Terri Schiavo's medical costs estimated to be over the 15 years she was on a feeding tube?
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What happened to a 13-year-old girl in 2013 after complications from tonsil surgery?
What happened to a 13-year-old girl in 2013 after complications from tonsil surgery?
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What primary role does the spinal cord serve in relation to the brain?
What primary role does the spinal cord serve in relation to the brain?
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Which process allows the spinal cord to respond to sensory messages without brain involvement?
Which process allows the spinal cord to respond to sensory messages without brain involvement?
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What is the significance of the way spinal cord segments are organized?
What is the significance of the way spinal cord segments are organized?
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How does the spinal cord assist in survival during emergencies?
How does the spinal cord assist in survival during emergencies?
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What happens to the lower segments of the spinal cord when an injury occurs in a specific segment?
What happens to the lower segments of the spinal cord when an injury occurs in a specific segment?
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Which statement about spinal reflexes is accurate?
Which statement about spinal reflexes is accurate?
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What protects the spinal cord from damage?
What protects the spinal cord from damage?
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What is the primary control exerted by the brain stem?
What is the primary control exerted by the brain stem?
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Evolutionary psychology focuses on how universal patterns of behavior and cognitive processes have evolved over __________.
Evolutionary psychology focuses on how universal patterns of behavior and cognitive processes have evolved over __________.
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Behavioral geneticists study how individual differences arise through the interaction of __________ and the environment.
Behavioral geneticists study how individual differences arise through the interaction of __________ and the environment.
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Twin studies compare the likelihood that a given behavioral trait is shared among __________ and fraternal twins.
Twin studies compare the likelihood that a given behavioral trait is shared among __________ and fraternal twins.
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Both twin studies and adoption studies provide insight into the relative importance of __________ and environment.
Both twin studies and adoption studies provide insight into the relative importance of __________ and environment.
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Genetic variation, the genetic difference between individuals, contributes to a species’ __________ to its environment.
Genetic variation, the genetic difference between individuals, contributes to a species’ __________ to its environment.
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Each egg and sperm contain __________ chromosomes.
Each egg and sperm contain __________ chromosomes.
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DNA is a helix-shaped molecule made up of __________ base pairs.
DNA is a helix-shaped molecule made up of __________ base pairs.
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A single gene may have multiple possible variations, known as __________.
A single gene may have multiple possible variations, known as __________.
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Genes are associated with temperament and a number of psychological disorders, such as ______ and schizophrenia.
Genes are associated with temperament and a number of psychological disorders, such as ______ and schizophrenia.
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Adoptees whose biological mothers had schizophrenia and who were raised in a disturbed family environment were much more likely to develop ______.
Adoptees whose biological mothers had schizophrenia and who were raised in a disturbed family environment were much more likely to develop ______.
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The study shows that adoptees with high genetic risk were most likely to develop schizophrenia if they were raised in ______ home environments.
The study shows that adoptees with high genetic risk were most likely to develop schizophrenia if they were raised in ______ home environments.
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The nervous system is composed of two basic cell types: glial cells and ______.
The nervous system is composed of two basic cell types: glial cells and ______.
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Psychologists strive to understand the human mind by studying the ______ system.
Psychologists strive to understand the human mind by studying the ______ system.
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Both genetic vulnerability and environmental ______ are necessary for schizophrenia to develop.
Both genetic vulnerability and environmental ______ are necessary for schizophrenia to develop.
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Adoptees with a low genetic risk raised in disturbed family environments were likely to develop schizophrenia at ______%.
Adoptees with a low genetic risk raised in disturbed family environments were likely to develop schizophrenia at ______%.
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In a healthy family environment, only ______% of adoptees with high genetic risk were likely to develop schizophrenia.
In a healthy family environment, only ______% of adoptees with high genetic risk were likely to develop schizophrenia.
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The rod that caused damage to Gage's brain penetrated his ______.
The rod that caused damage to Gage's brain penetrated his ______.
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Gage experienced difficulty controlling his emotional impulses due to damage in the frontal lobe and connections to the ______.
Gage experienced difficulty controlling his emotional impulses due to damage in the frontal lobe and connections to the ______.
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The somatosensory cortex, located in the parietal lobe, is essential for processing sensory information from the body's ______.
The somatosensory cortex, located in the parietal lobe, is essential for processing sensory information from the body's ______.
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Each area of the somatosensory cortex processes sensations from a different part of the ______.
Each area of the somatosensory cortex processes sensations from a different part of the ______.
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The larger the surface area of a specific body part, the ______ the area dedicated to processing sensation from that body part in the somatosensory cortex.
The larger the surface area of a specific body part, the ______ the area dedicated to processing sensation from that body part in the somatosensory cortex.
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Gage's case was significant in the 19th century debate over ______, which examined the association between brain areas and their functions.
Gage's case was significant in the 19th century debate over ______, which examined the association between brain areas and their functions.
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Gage's prefrontal cortex sustained severe damage in the left ______.
Gage's prefrontal cortex sustained severe damage in the left ______.
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The amount of space allocated in the somatosensory cortex for fingers is much greater than that for ______.
The amount of space allocated in the somatosensory cortex for fingers is much greater than that for ______.
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Terri Schiavo went into cardiac arrest on February 25, 1990, apparently triggered by a ______ episode.
Terri Schiavo went into cardiac arrest on February 25, 1990, apparently triggered by a ______ episode.
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Schiavo was diagnosed with severe and permanent cerebral ______.
Schiavo was diagnosed with severe and permanent cerebral ______.
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To remain alive, Schiavo required a feeding ______.
To remain alive, Schiavo required a feeding ______.
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Schiavo’s husband argued that his wife would not have wanted to be kept alive with no ______, sensations, or brain activity.
Schiavo’s husband argued that his wife would not have wanted to be kept alive with no ______, sensations, or brain activity.
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By 2005, the courts found in favor of Schiavo’s husband, and the feeding tube was removed on ______ 18, 2005.
By 2005, the courts found in favor of Schiavo’s husband, and the feeding tube was removed on ______ 18, 2005.
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Despite her condition, Schiavo's ______ sometimes moved and she would occasionally groan.
Despite her condition, Schiavo's ______ sometimes moved and she would occasionally groan.
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Schiavo's brainstem was still intact and responsible for involuntary movements of her ______ and the occasional groans.
Schiavo's brainstem was still intact and responsible for involuntary movements of her ______ and the occasional groans.
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Over the 15-year period that she was on a feeding tube, Schiavo's medical costs may have topped ______ million.
Over the 15-year period that she was on a feeding tube, Schiavo's medical costs may have topped ______ million.
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SSRIs prevent the reuptake of ______ to strengthen its effect.
SSRIs prevent the reuptake of ______ to strengthen its effect.
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Common SSRIs include Prozac, Paxil, and ______.
Common SSRIs include Prozac, Paxil, and ______.
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The drug ______ is structurally similar to serotonin.
The drug ______ is structurally similar to serotonin.
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Psychotropic drugs often require ______ weeks to show improvement.
Psychotropic drugs often require ______ weeks to show improvement.
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The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the ______.
The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the ______.
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The peripheral nervous system includes the somatic and ______ nervous systems.
The peripheral nervous system includes the somatic and ______ nervous systems.
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The peripheral nervous system is made up of thick bundles of ______ called nerves.
The peripheral nervous system is made up of thick bundles of ______ called nerves.
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The CNS is comprised of the brain and ______.
The CNS is comprised of the brain and ______.
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What do alleles represent in genetics?
What do alleles represent in genetics?
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How does genetic variation primarily arise?
How does genetic variation primarily arise?
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Which statement best describes the role of glial cells in the nervous system?
Which statement best describes the role of glial cells in the nervous system?
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What is one primary function of the nervous system?
What is one primary function of the nervous system?
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Why is understanding DNA important in psychology?
Why is understanding DNA important in psychology?
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What best describes the function of receptors in the nervous system?
What best describes the function of receptors in the nervous system?
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Which characteristic is NOT influenced by genetics?
Which characteristic is NOT influenced by genetics?
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Which statement about the roles of genes in psychology is accurate?
Which statement about the roles of genes in psychology is accurate?
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What primarily occurs when neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the dendrite of an adjacent neuron?
What primarily occurs when neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the dendrite of an adjacent neuron?
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Why is maintaining separate fluids inside and outside the neuron important?
Why is maintaining separate fluids inside and outside the neuron important?
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How does alcohol affect neurotransmitter function?
How does alcohol affect neurotransmitter function?
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What underlies the concept of a 'key and lock' analogy in neuronal communication?
What underlies the concept of a 'key and lock' analogy in neuronal communication?
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What is the role of the sodium pump during resting potential in neurons?
What is the role of the sodium pump during resting potential in neurons?
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What is a key effect of drugs on neurotransmitter activity?
What is a key effect of drugs on neurotransmitter activity?
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What best describes the relationship between the brain and the peripheral nervous system?
What best describes the relationship between the brain and the peripheral nervous system?
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What ensures that neurotransmitters effectively communicate messages between neurons?
What ensures that neurotransmitters effectively communicate messages between neurons?
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What is the role of the corpus callosum in the brain?
What is the role of the corpus callosum in the brain?
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Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for the body's stress response?
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for the body's stress response?
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What part of the brain is involved in higher-level functions such as reasoning and language?
What part of the brain is involved in higher-level functions such as reasoning and language?
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Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the brain's hemispheres?
Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the brain's hemispheres?
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Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for processing audio and visual information?
Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for processing audio and visual information?
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What function does the hindbrain serve in relation to the forebrain?
What function does the hindbrain serve in relation to the forebrain?
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Which part of the forebrain is mainly associated with intelligence and personality?
Which part of the forebrain is mainly associated with intelligence and personality?
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What can occur if the right hemisphere of the brain is damaged?
What can occur if the right hemisphere of the brain is damaged?
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What is the primary role of alleles in genetics?
What is the primary role of alleles in genetics?
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What occurs when neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft?
What occurs when neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft?
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How does genetic variation contribute to cognitive and behavioral differences?
How does genetic variation contribute to cognitive and behavioral differences?
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What is the primary role of the sodium pump in neurons?
What is the primary role of the sodium pump in neurons?
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What function do glial cells serve in the nervous system?
What function do glial cells serve in the nervous system?
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How do drugs affect neurotransmitter function?
How do drugs affect neurotransmitter function?
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Why are genes significant in understanding personality traits?
Why are genes significant in understanding personality traits?
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What effect does alcohol have on acetylcholine?
What effect does alcohol have on acetylcholine?
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In what way does the environment interact with genetic factors?
In what way does the environment interact with genetic factors?
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What is the role of the nervous system in maintaining the body's function?
What is the role of the nervous system in maintaining the body's function?
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What type of communication occurs within the nervous system?
What type of communication occurs within the nervous system?
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Which of the following describes the relationship between phenotypes and genotypes?
Which of the following describes the relationship between phenotypes and genotypes?
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What is the fluid environment of a neuron crucial for?
What is the fluid environment of a neuron crucial for?
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What analogy describes the specificity of neurotransmitter binding to receptors?
What analogy describes the specificity of neurotransmitter binding to receptors?
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What characterizes the Minnesota twin studies in relation to genetics and psychology?
What characterizes the Minnesota twin studies in relation to genetics and psychology?
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What is the primary function of the spinal cord in relation to the brain?
What is the primary function of the spinal cord in relation to the brain?
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What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system?
What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system?
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Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for higher thinking and reasoning?
Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for higher thinking and reasoning?
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What role does the midbrain serve in the CNS?
What role does the midbrain serve in the CNS?
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Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily active during stress?
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily active during stress?
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Which part of the brain connects the left and right hemispheres?
Which part of the brain connects the left and right hemispheres?
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What is a key function of the hindbrain?
What is a key function of the hindbrain?
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Damage to which hemisphere of the brain is likely to affect non-verbal abilities?
Damage to which hemisphere of the brain is likely to affect non-verbal abilities?
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Which statement best describes the structure of the cerebral cortex?
Which statement best describes the structure of the cerebral cortex?
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Study Notes
Myelin Sheath
- Myelin sheath is a fatty substance that coats axons and acts as an insulator, increasing the speed of signal transmission.
- Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath.
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Loss of myelin can impair neuronal function, leading to disorders like:
- PKU (Phenylketonuria): A genetic disorder causing reduced myelin and abnormalities in brain structures, resulting in cognitive deficits, exaggerated reflexes, and seizures.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disorder characterized by widespread myelin loss. This disrupts electrical signal transmission, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, motor control issues, and sexual dysfunction.
Synaptic Transmission
- Synaptic cleft is the small space between two neurons where communication occurs.
- Neurotransmitters are chemicals released from the terminal buttons of one neuron into the synaptic cleft.
- Receptors on the dendrite of the adjacent neuron bind to specific neurotransmitters, acting like a lock-and-key system.
The Spinal Cord
- Spinal cord connects the brain to the body, acting as a relay station for messages.
- It has its own system of automatic processes called reflexes.
- The spinal cord is organized into 30 segments, each connected to a specific body part by the peripheral nervous system.
- Sensory nerves bring information to the spinal cord, while motor nerves send information to muscles and organs.
- Spinal reflexes allow for quick reactions without brain involvement, important for survival.
- Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, with lower segments being affected when damaged.
Brain Hemispheres
- Left hemisphere excels in memory association, selective attention, and positive emotions.
- Right hemisphere is superior in pitch perception, arousal, and negative emotions.
- Corpus callosum connects the two hemispheres, enabling communication and information sharing.
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Split-brain patients, with a severed corpus callosum, exhibit interesting behaviors:
- The right hemisphere's information is not accessible to the verbal left hemisphere, leading to inability to name objects seen in the left visual field.
- The right hemisphere controls the left hand, allowing split-brain patients to draw what they see in the left visual field, even though they cannot name it.
Brain Function and Disorders
- Vegetative state occurs when the cerebral cortex ceases to function, while the brainstem remains intact.
- Brainstem controls basic functions like breathing and involuntary movements.
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Autonomic nervous system regulates organ and gland function, divided into:
- Sympathetic nervous system: Prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses.
- Parasympathetic nervous system: Manages normal function under relaxed conditions.
Brain Structures and their Functions
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Cerebral cortex: The outer layer of the brain, composed of four lobes:
- Frontal lobe: Responsible for higher-level functions like planning, decision-making, and language.
- Parietal lobe: Processes sensory information, including touch, temperature, and pain.
- Temporal lobe: Deals with auditory processing, memory, and language comprehension.
- Occipital lobe: Responsible for visual processing.
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Thalamus: Relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.
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Limbic system: Involved in emotional responses and memory formation.
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Midbrain: Contains the reticular formation essential for sleep and arousal.
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Substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area: Involved in movement, reward, and addiction.
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Hindbrain: Controls basic life functions:
- Medulla: Regulates breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
- Pons: Controls sleep and arousal.
- Midbrain: Connects the forebrain and hindbrain.
- Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and certain types of memory.
Evolutionary Psychology
- Focuses on how universal behavior patterns and cognitive processes evolved over time
- Variations in cognition and behavior increase or decrease reproductive success and gene passing
- Areas of study include:
- Fear response
- Food preferences
- Mate selection
- Cooperative behaviors
Behavioral Genetics
- Studies individual differences in behavior arising from interactions between genetics and environment
- Employs twin and adoption studies to research human behavior:
- Twin studies compare behavioral traits among identical and fraternal twins
- Adoption studies compare traits among biological relatives and adopted relatives
- Both approaches estimate relative importance of genes and environment for trait expression
Genetic Variation
- Underlies adaptation to environmental pressures for species
- Starts with fertilization of egg by sperm
- Each egg and sperm contain 23 chromosomes
- Chromosomes are long strands of DNA
- DNA contains genes controlling traits like eye color and hair color
- Genes can have multiple versions (alleles) influencing temperament and disorders (e.g., depression, schizophrenia)
Gene-Environment Interactions
- Illustrated by schizophrenia research showing:
- Adoptees with mothers having schizophrenia (high genetic risk) and raised in disturbed family environments were most prone to developing schizophrenia (36.8%)
- Adoptees with similar genetic risk but raised in nurturing environments had a much lower chance (5.8%)
- Adoptees with low genetic risk (mothers without schizophrenia) but raised in disturbed environments also showed a low chance (5.3%)
- Adoptees with low genetic risk and raised in nurturing environments showed a very low chance (4.8%)
- This suggests both genetic vulnerability and environmental stress are necessary for developing schizophrenia, indicating that genes alone are insufficient
Neurons and Communication
- Neurons are basic building blocks of nervous system
- They communicate through electrical and chemical signals
- Electrical signals transmit information within neurons
- Chemical signals (neurotransmitters) carry information between neurons across the synapse
- After release, neurotransmitters either are reabsorbed ("reuptake") or broken down
- This process controls neurotransmitter function and signal strength
- Antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) target this process
Drugs as Agonists or Antagonists
- Drugs act as agonists or antagonists for specific neurotransmitter systems
- Agonists mimic neurotransmitter effects
- Antagonists block neurotransmitter effects
- Psychotropic drugs can take weeks for effects to appear
- They have potential side effects and effectiveness varies
Central vs. Peripheral Nervous Systems
- Nervous system is divided into:
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Connects CNS to the rest of the body
Somatic vs. Autonomic Nervous Systems
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PNS further splits into:
- Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements (e.g., walking)
- Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary bodily functions (e.g., breathing, heart rate)
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Systems
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Autonomic Nervous System includes two branches:
- Sympathetic Nervous System: "Fight or Flight" response
- Parasympathetic Nervous System: "Rest and Digest" response
Phineas Gage Case
- Illustrates importance of frontal lobe in decision-making and social behavior
- Gage suffered severe frontal lobe damage resulting in personality and behavioral changes
- He lost impulse control and social skills
- His case contributed to understanding brain function and localization
Parietal Lobe and Somatosensory Cortex
- Located behind frontal lobe
- Processes sensory information from the body (touch, temperature, pain)
- Contains the somatosensory cortex, mapping different body region sensations
- Larger body surface areas and more nerve density lead to larger representation in the somatosensory cortex
Terri Schiavo Case
- Involved a woman in a persistent vegetative state, prompting debate about end-of-life care
- She had brain damage but retained functioning brainstem, enabling involuntary reflexes
- Her case raised complex questions about life support and death, and the definition of brain death
- Her medical expenses exceeded $7 million, highlighting societal costs
Brain Death
- In 2013, a 13-year-old girl was declared brain dead after complications from tonsil surgery, leading to a conflict with her family over life support
- This was a complex case that raised questions about brain death and its implications for medical decisions.
Genetics and Psychology
- Genetics plays a vital role in understanding human behavior, physical characteristics and evolution.
- Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an individual, while phenotype refers to the observable characteristics.
- Genetic variations arise from the differences in genes and their interaction with the environment.
- These variations influence cognitive abilities and behaviors, leading to adaptation and survival.
- DNA is the blueprint of life and contains the genetic code.
- Genes are segments of DNA that control specific traits like eye and hair color, and height.
- Alleles are alternate forms of a gene, contributing to variations in a trait.
- The Minnesota twin studies showcase the influence of genetics on various aspects of human life.
- Twin studies are essential for analyzing the relative roles of genetics and environment.
The Nervous System and Psychology
- The nervous system is vital for controlling bodily functions through chemical and neural responses.
- Receptors detect changes and stimuli, relaying information to the brain and spinal cord.
- The nervous system consists of two primary types of cells: glia and neurons.
- Glia provide support and insulation for neurons, enabling communication and organization.
- Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for communication through electrical and chemical signals.
Neuron Communication
- Neurons communicate through nerve impulses generated by changes in membrane permeability.
- Dendrites receive information, which travels towards terminal buttons.
- Synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
- Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers, binding with specific receptors on adjacent neurons.
- The sodium-potassium pump maintains a difference in charge across the neuron membrane, creating a resting potential.
Neurotransmitters and Drugs
- Drugs affect the nervous system by influencing the release, uptake, and binding of neurotransmitters.
- Some drugs mimic neurotransmitters, binding to receptors and altering their functions.
- Alcohol affects neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, GABA, serotonin, and glutamate.
- Alcohol enhances GABA activity, slowing down neural responses and impairing coordination.
The Brain and Spinal Cord
- The brain acts as the central control unit, managing all body functions.
- The spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body, relaying messages.
- The peripheral nervous system (PNS) carries information to and from the central nervous system (CNS).
- The PNS is divided into the somatic (voluntary) and autonomic(involuntary) nervous systems.
- The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions, further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems
- The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses in stressful situations.
- The parasympathetic nervous system promotes rest and relaxation.
Brain Structure and Function
- The brain is divided into three main parts: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.
- The forebrain, the largest part, contains the cerebrum, responsible for higher cognitive functions.
- The cerebral cortex is responsible for intelligence, personality, reasoning, and language.
- The cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.
- The midbrain processes auditory and visual information.
- The hindbrain relays information between the forebrain and spinal cord.
Corpus Callosum
- The corpus callosum acts as the bridge between the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication and coordination.
Genetics and Psychology
- Genetics plays a vital role in understanding psychological characteristics and their development.
- Genes are responsible for physical characteristics like eye and hair color, and height.
- Genotype: Refers to an individual's genetic makeup.
- Phenotype: Refers to the observable characteristics that are expressed based on the genotype.
- Variation in genes leads to differences between individuals, including cognitive abilities and behaviors.
- Allele: Alternate variations of a gene, leading to variations in phenotypes.
- The Minnesota Twin Studies have been instrumental in understanding the influence of genetics on psychological traits.
- DNA: Contains the genetic instructions for building and maintaining an organism.
The Nervous System and Psychology
- The nervous system controls vital bodily functions.
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Consists of nerve cells that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.
- Neurons: Nerve cells responsible for transmitting information throughout the nervous system.
- Glial Cells (Glia): Support neurons by providing insulation and structure.
- Synaptic Vesicles: Contain neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers released into the synaptic cleft.
- Neurotransmitters: Molecules that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.
- Synaptic Cleft: Space between neurons where neurotransmitters are released and interact with receptors.
- Membrane Potential: Difference in electrical charge across the neuron's membrane, essential for transmitting signals.
- Sodium-Potassium Pump: Maintains the membrane potential by actively transporting ions across the membrane.
The Brain and Spinal Cord
- The Brain: Acts as a central processing unit, controlling all bodily functions.
- The Spinal Cord: Serves as a connection between the brain and the rest of the body.
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The Brain's Three Major Parts:
- Forebrain: Largest part, includes the cerebrum.
- Midbrain: Processes auditory and visual information.
- Hindbrain: Relays information between the forebrain and spinal cord.
- Cerebrum: Responsible for higher cognitive functions, including reasoning, language, and personality.
- Cerebral Cortex: Outer layer of the cerebrum, responsible for complex thought processes.
- Corpus Callosum: A bundle of nerves that connects the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication.
The Autonomic Nervous System
- Controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion.
- Sympathetic Nervous System: Prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses to stressful situations.
- Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promotes relaxation and conserves energy.
The Impact of Drugs on the Nervous System
- Drugs can affect the function of the nervous system by interfering with neurotransmitter activity.
- They can:
- Alter the release or uptake of neurotransmitters.
- Mimic neurotransmitters and bind to receptors.
- Block the action of neurotransmitters.
Examples of Drug Effects
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Alcohol:
- Binds to acetylcholine receptors, blocking its function.
- Enhances the activity of GABA, leading to slowed coordination.
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Description
This quiz explores key concepts in neuroscience, focusing on the myelin sheath and its role in neuronal function, including conditions like PKU and Multiple Sclerosis. It also covers synaptic transmission, detailing neurotransmitters and receptor function. Test your knowledge and understanding of these essential topics in neurobiology.
