Psychology Chapter 3: The Biological Component

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of sensory neurons?

To connect one neuron to another within the brain

To maintain resting potential in the neuron

To transmit sensory information to the brain (correct)

To carry commands to muscles and organs

Which term describes the electrical charge difference between the inside and outside of a neuron at rest?

Action potential

Resting potential (correct)

Polarization

Neuronal threshold

What role does electrostatic pressure play in ion movement?

It repels oppositely charged ions

It attracts similar charged ions

It pushes ions toward less concentrated areas

It attracts oppositely charged ions (correct)

Which type of neuron connects one neuron to another in the same part of the brain or spinal cord?

Interneurons Signup and view all the answers

What causes the movement of ions across a cell membrane?

Diffusion and electrostatic pressure Signup and view all the answers

What effect does an agonist drug have at a receptor?

Increases the activity at the receptor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitter effects results in a hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic neuron?

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between spatial summation and temporal summation?

Spatial summation combines potentials simultaneously at different locations, whereas temporal summation combines them arriving shortly apart. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the sympathetic nervous system primarily serve?

Prepares the body for 'fight-or-flight' responses Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the central nervous system, what does the term 'afferent' refer to?

Signals traveling toward the CNS Signup and view all the answers

Which of these terms describes a bundle of axons in the central nervous system?

Tract Signup and view all the answers

What type of voltage change does excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) produce?

Partial depolarization of the neuron Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an antagonist drug from an agonist drug?

Antagonist decreases activity at the receptor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the sodium-potassium pump?

To move sodium ions outside and potassium ions inside the cell Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates chemically gated ion channels from electrically gated ion channels?

Chemically gated channels open in response to neurotransmitters or hormones, while electrically gated channels respond to changes in membrane potential. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the all-or-none law regarding action potentials?

Action potentials occur at their full strength or not at all, regardless of stimulus size. Signup and view all the answers

During which period is it impossible for a new action potential to occur?

Absolute refractory period Signup and view all the answers

How does the myelin sheath affect the transmission of nerve impulses?

It insulates the axon and allows signals to jump to the nodes of Ranvier, thereby speeding up transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What role do neurotransmitters play in the synapse?

They carry signals across the synapse to excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of local potentials?

They are graded potentials, varying in magnitude with the strength of the stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What arises during hyperpolarization of a neuron's membrane?

An increase in electrical charge, making the inside of the cell more negative Signup and view all the answers

In the context of neural signaling, what does the rate law describe?

The axon encodes stimulus intensity through the frequency of firing, not the action potential size. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

To enhance or depress activity in specific brain regions Signup and view all the answers

What determines the absorption of X-rays in a CT scan?

The density of tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is primarily involved in regulating hunger and temperature control?

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What type of imaging does Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) utilize?

Magnetic resonance imaging Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is responsible for fine motor control and procedural memory?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

What does functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) primarily measure?

Changes in blood flow and oxygenation Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is relayed by the thalamus?

Sensory information Signup and view all the answers

What roles do the caudate nucleus and putamen play in the brain?

Control of voluntary and involuntary movements Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain helps regulate awareness and attention by filtering irrelevant stimuli?

Reticular formation Signup and view all the answers

What physiological process does Electroencephalography (EEG) primarily measure?

Electrical activity in the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the brain is primarily associated with auditory processing and memory?

Temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What response is primarily associated with the amygdala during emotional processing?

Fight or flight response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the primary role of the hypothalamus?

Regulating the autonomic and endocrine systems Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neurons

Neurons are specialized cells that transmit sensory information, process data within the CNS, and relay commands to muscles and organs.
Types of neurons:
- Motor neurons: transmit commands to muscles and organs.
- Sensory neurons: carry information from the body and environment to the brain and spinal cord.
- Interneurons: connect neurons within the CNS, facilitating communication.

Cell Membrane and Ion Movement

Polarization refers to the electrical charge difference across the neuron's membrane, critical for action potentials.
Resting potential: the steady state of difference in charge when a neuron is inactive.
Ions (Na+, K+, Cl-, A-) influence neuron activity through:
- Force of diffusion: movement from areas of high to low concentration.
- Electrostatic pressure: attraction to opposite charges and repulsion from similar charges.
The sodium-potassium pump maintains ion balance, moving sodium out and potassium into the cell.

Action Potential

Depolarization occurs when the membrane potential becomes less negative, potentially triggering an action potential.
Action potential follows an all-or-none law and is nondecremental, maintaining strength as it travels down the axon.
Hyperpolarization is an increase in charge inside the neuron, often due to chloride influx or potassium efflux.

Synapse and Neurotransmission

Synapses are fluid-filled gaps between neurons where neurotransmission occurs.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals across the synapse, influencing the firing of postsynaptic neurons.
Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) alter neuron firing probabilities.
Drugs can act as agonists (enhancing receptor activity) or antagonists (reducing receptor activity).

Organization of the Nervous System

The nervous system is divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord; PNS includes all nerves outside the CNS.
The PNS is further divided into the somatic nervous system (voluntary functions) and autonomic nervous system (involuntary functions).
In the CNS, afferent pathways carry signals toward the brain while efferent pathways transmit signals from the brain.

Brain Structure

The brain consists of three primary regions:
- Hindbrain: controls vital functions and movement coordination.
- Midbrain: oversees reflex actions and voluntary movements.
- Forebrain: involved in complex cognitive functions and processes.

Key Brain Components

Medulla: regulates heart rate, circulation, and respiration.
Pons: relays signals and coordinates functions between various brain levels.
Cerebellum: important for balance, coordination, and procedural memory (motor skills).
Thalamus: acts as a sensory information relay station and filters sensory data.
Hypothalamus: regulates autonomic functions, hormone secretion, and homeostasis.

Hemispheric Lateralization

Each brain hemisphere specializes in different functions:
- Right Hemisphere: associated with emotions, intuition, aesthetics, and nonverbal processing.
- Left Hemisphere: involved in analytical thinking, verbal communication, and logic.
The corpus callosum is the brain structure that connects and facilitates communication between the two hemispheres.

Endocrine System

Comprises glands that release hormones, acting as a secondary control system for body functions.
Major glands:
- Pituitary: known as the “director” of hormonal regulation.
- Thyroid: regulates metabolic rate.
- Adrenal: involved in metabolism of salts and carbohydrates.
- Pancreas: manages blood sugar levels.
The hypothalamus integrates the nervous and endocrine systems, controlling hormone release.

Research Techniques in Neuroscience

Various methods are used to study brain function:
- CT (Computed Tomography): provides 2D images of the brain using X-rays.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): offers high-resolution images of brain soft tissues using magnetic fields.
- fMRI (Functional MRI): measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography): tracks radioactive compounds in the bloodstream to visualize active brain areas.
- EEG (Electroencephalography): records electrical activity via electrodes, providing excellent temporal resolution.

Important Concepts

Plasticity: the brain’s ability to form new connections and adapt after injuries.
Aphasia: a language disorder affecting processing and production.
Mirror neurons: involved in understanding others' actions and intentions.

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Description

This quiz focuses on Chapter 3 of the psychology textbook, which explores the biological component of the nervous and endocrine systems. It covers topics such as neuron structure, electrical and chemical signal transmission, and hemispheric lateralization. Test your understanding of the fundamental concepts surrounding how our body communicates at a cellular level.