Psychology Class: Neurons and The Brain

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Connecting sensory and motor neurons

Transmitting electrochemical signals

Regenerating neuron growth

Nourishing and insulating neurons (correct)

Which type of neuron is responsible for transmitting messages from sensory receptors to the brain?

Motor neurons

Interneurons

Glial cells

Sensory neurons (correct)

Which component of a neuron is primarily responsible for receiving impulses?

Axon terminals

Dendrites (correct)

Cell body

Axon

What is the main role of motor neurons in the nervous system?

To transmit information to muscles and glands Signup and view all the answers

How many neurons are humans born with, primarily located in the brain?

About 100 billion Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a neuron is responsible for transmitting impulses to other neurons?

The axon Signup and view all the answers

What processes are sensory neurons involved in?

Carrying messages from sensory receptors Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT associated with glial cells?

Transmitting signals between neurons Signup and view all the answers

What role do terminal buttons play in neuron communication?

They transmit messages to the dendrites of neighboring neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of myelin in the nervous system?

To facilitate the transmission of neural impulses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the action potential?

It is the electrical potential during neural impulse conduction. Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by the replacement of myelin with fibrous tissue?

Multiple sclerosis. Signup and view all the answers

During the refractory period, what is true about a neuron?

It will not fire, regardless of stimulation. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the synapse?

An axon terminal button, a receiving neuron, and the synaptic cleft. Signup and view all the answers

What are neural impulses primarily characterized as?

Electrical signals that can travel up to 360 km/h. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the polarization of a neuron?

The neuron is in its resting potential. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the sensation of 'runner's high'?

Endorphins Signup and view all the answers

What does brain plasticity refer to?

The brain's capacity to adapt and change over time Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is NOT a structure of the forebrain?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is associated with memory and emotional processing?

Amygdala Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hippocampus play in the brain?

Support in learning and memory Signup and view all the answers

What function does the amygdala serve in the limbic system?

Facilitating aggressive responses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is contained within the limbic system?

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of loss of the left hemisphere in children?

Speech functions moving to the right hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the thalamus?

Relaying sensory information to the cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for voluntary muscle movements?

Frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Where in the brain is the somatosensory cortex located?

In the parietal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What part of the brain connects the two hemispheres of the cortex?

Corpus callosum Signup and view all the answers

Damage to one side of the brain primarily affects which side of the body?

The opposite side of the body Signup and view all the answers

The temporal lobe is chiefly involved in which aspect of processing?

Auditory information Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of the hypothalamus?

Regulating motivation and emotion Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Broca's and Wernicke's areas located in the temporal lobe?

Key language processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the left hemisphere of the brain?

Language processing and logical analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the corpus callosum?

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for regulating basic functions such as heart rate and blood pressure?

Medulla Signup and view all the answers

What condition might require a split-brain operation?

Severe epilepsy Signup and view all the answers

What type of aphasia is characterized by difficulty in producing speech?

Broca's aphasia Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is usually linked to high-level emotional understanding?

Right hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

Which function is primarily associated with the pons?

Transmits information related to sleep and respiration Signup and view all the answers

What strange behavior may occur in split-brain patients?

Each hemisphere acting independently Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Agenda for Psychology Class

Quiz 2 attempts due by Sunday.
Discussion on Week 3 assignment and Quiz 1 debrief.
Overview of key topics: Neurons and The Brain.

Nature vs Nurture

Nature: Inborn, innate characteristics of organisms.
Nurture: Environmental influences that shape behaviors.

Divisions of the Nervous System

Comprised of specialized cells called neurons and glial cells.

Neurons and Glial Cells

Neurons: Over 100 billion at birth; transmit electrochemical signals.
Glial Cells: Support neurons by nourishing, insulating, and aiding in growth.

Types of Neurons

Sensory Neurons: Transmit messages from sensory receptors to the brain.
Interneurons: Connect sensory and motor neurons.
Motor Neurons: Transmit messages from the brain/spinal cord to muscles and glands.

Structure of a Neuron

Cell Body: Contains the nucleus and generates energy for neuron function.
Dendrites: Receive impulses from other neurons.
Axon: Long structure transmitting impulses to terminals.
Axon Terminals: Release neurotransmitters to communicate with neighboring neurons.

Myelin

Fatty substance insulating some axons, enhancing transmission of neural impulses.
Grey Matter: Unmyelinated neurons, associated with spinal reflexes.
White Matter: Myelinated neurons transporting messages to/from the brain.

Neurotransmitter Release and Firing

Neural Impulses: Travel at speeds up to 360 km/h within neurons.
Action Potential: Electrical signal during a neural impulse; operates on an all-or-none principle.
Recovery period for neurons where they cannot fire again, known as the refractory period.

Brain Plasticity

The brain's ability to adapt and change throughout life.
Studies (e.g., taxicab drivers) show increases in hippocampal regions related to navigational skills.
Recovery of functions in damaged brain areas, such as speech moving to the right hemisphere after left hemisphere loss.

The Forebrain

Comprises the thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, and cerebrum.
Limbic System: Involves emotions and memory; consists of the amygdala and hippocampus.

Key Structures of the Limbic System

Amygdala: Facilitates aggression and emotional processing.
Hippocampus: Crucial for learning and memory formation.
Thalamus: Relays sensory information to the cortex; regulates sleep and attentiveness.
Hypothalamus: Regulates motivation, emotion, body temperature, hunger, and sexual behavior.

Cerebrum and Cerebral Cortex

Largest part of the forebrain, divided into left and right hemispheres.
Cerebral Cortex: Contains grey matter; divided into lobes with specialized functions.

Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex

Frontal Lobe: Decision-making, problem-solving, voluntary muscle control.
Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information; contains the somatosensory cortex.
Temporal Lobe: Handles auditory information; key regions for language (Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas).
Occipital Lobe: Processes visual information.

Somatosensory and Motor Cortex

Somatosensory Cortex: Located in the parietal lobe; receives sensory messages from body skin.
Motor Cortex: Linked to muscular responses throughout the body; injury affects opposite body side functions.

Left and Right Brain Functions

Left Hemisphere: Controls right side of the body; involved in logical thinking and language.
Right Hemisphere: Controls left side of the body; superior in visual-spatial tasks and emotional understanding.

Corpus Callosum

Thick fiber bundle connecting the two hemispheres; crucial for communication between sides.
Split-brain surgeries may be performed in severe epilepsy cases without significant loss of function.

The Hindbrain

Key structures: Medulla, Pons, Cerebellum.
Medulla: Regulates vital functions like heart rate and respiration.
Pons: Involved in movement, alertness, and sleep regulation.
Cerebellum: Manages balance and coordination of movements; oversees automatic functions.

Language Processing Areas

Major centers for language usually located in the left hemisphere; damage can lead to aphasia.
Wernicke’s Aphasia: Difficulty understanding spoken language.
Broca’s Aphasia: Difficulty with speech production.

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Description

This quiz covers the key concepts discussed in psychology class, focusing on the nature vs nurture debate, the divisions of the nervous system, and the function and structure of neurons and glial cells. Prepare to explore the complexities of human behavior as influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.