Psychology Unit One: Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

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

To directly generate energy for neuron function

To protect neurons from damage

To store information in the neuron

To transmit chemical signals between neurons (correct)

Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving information from other neurons?

Soma

Dendrites (correct)

Axon

Axon terminals

In which structure does the coordination of metabolic processes occur within a neuron?

Axon terminals

Soma (correct)

Dendrites

Myelin

What role does the axon play in the functioning of a neuron?

To transmit signals to other cells Signup and view all the answers

How do dendritic spines enhance a neuron's function?

By allowing more connections with other neurons Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron is primarily responsible for transmitting information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system?

Sensory neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of dopamine in the brain?

Control of muscle movement and coordination Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the neuron is crucial for protecting the axon and speeding up neural transmission?

Myelin Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for filtering out unnecessary information to aid focus and attention?

Reticular activating system Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is primarily involved in processing information and governing behavior?

Central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Damage to which of the following regions can lead to issues such as problems with temperature regulation and excessive hunger?

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest region of the brain that plays a vital role in higher-order functions like learning and memory?

Forebrain Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT associated with the role of the reticular formation?

Processing emotional responses Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is linked to the symptoms of Parkinson's disease due to its role in movement?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What role does the thalamus play in sensory processing?

Relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the hypothalamus in relation to hormones?

Controls the release of various hormones Signup and view all the answers

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

To insulate axons and speed up transmission Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the role of neurotransmitters?

They transmit information across the synapse between neurons Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons are responsible for receiving sensory information from the environment?

Sensory neurons Signup and view all the answers

How do interneurons function within the nervous system?

They create connections between sensory and motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the direction of information transmission in a neuron is true?

Information always travels in the same direction Signup and view all the answers

What role do motor neurons play in the body?

They send messages from the CNS to muscles and glands Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the synapse in neural transmission?

It is the gap between neurons where neurotransmitters pass Signup and view all the answers

What happens to neural signals when they reach axon terminals?

They stimulate the release of neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit One: Area of Study 2 Outcome 2

How are mental processes and behaviour influenced by the brain?
The roles of the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain (including the cerebral cortex) are crucial in behaviour and mental processes.

Overview of the Nervous System

The nervous system comprises neurons.
A neuron is a single nerve cell.
Neurons form neural pathways, linking up to transmit information throughout the body.
Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system.
All neurons have specialised functions. Some receive and transmit information between other neurons, while others send information to cells and muscles within the brain.

Structure of a Neuron

Dendrites: Numerous branches that receive information from other neurons. Dendritic spines amplify these interactions.
Soma (cell body): Coordinates the neuron's metabolic activities.
Axon: Transmits signals (nerve impulses/action potentials) to other neurons or cells.
Myelin sheath: Fatty insulation around the axon for faster transmission.

Axon Terminals, Synapses, and Neurotransmitters

Information travels in one direction along a neuron.
Axon terminals store neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters transmit information across the synapse (gap between neurons).
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers.

Types of Neurons

Sensory neurons: Receive and transmit sensory information from the internal and external environment to the CNS.
Motor neurons: Transmit messages from the CNS to muscles, organs, and glands to stimulate activity.
Interneurons: Create connections between sensory and motor neurons. Relay messages within the CNS.

The Nervous System

The nervous system consists of the CNS (brain and spinal cord) and the PNS (everything else).
The CNS receives, processes, and coordinates responses to information.
The CNS receives information via the PNS about what's happening both inside and outside the body.

The Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord comprise the CNS.
The CNS has protection: the skull (brain) and vertebral column (spinal cord).
The CNS receives information from the PNS, processes it, and activates appropriate responses.
The spinal cord transmits sensory and motor information between the brain and periphery.

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The PNS contains nerves outside the CNS.
The PNS is just as important as the CNS; it relays information from sensory organs, muscles, and glands to the CNS.
The PNS is divided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The ANS controls involuntary actions (e.g., digestion, heartbeat, breathing).
The ANS has two subdivisions:
Sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response).
Parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest response).

Regions of the Brain

The brain is divided into four major regions:
Hindbrain: Cerebellum, medulla oblongata, and pons.
Midbrain: Substantia nigra, reticular formation.
Forebrain: Thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, cerebrum.
Cerebral cortex: Outer layer of the cerebrum.

The Cerebral Cortex

A thin layer of neurons.
Accounts for half the brain's weight.
Divided into two hemispheres.
Contains specific areas (e.g., visual cortex, auditory cortex) for processing sensory information.
Involved in receiving, processing complex sensory information (e.g., symbolic thinking, language, emotion).
Has three areas: sensory, motor, and association areas.

Cerebral Hemispheres

Divided into left and right hemispheres.
Connected by the corpus callosum.
Each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body.
Specialisation of each hemisphere, although both are involved across many functions.

Cortical Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex

Frontal lobe
Temporal lobe
Parietal lobe
Occipital lobe

Specific areas within each lobe

Primary motor cortex
Broca's area
Primary auditory cortex
Wernicke's area
Primary somatosensory cortex
Primary visual cortex

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Description

This quiz focuses on the influence of the brain on mental processes and behavior, highlighting the roles of the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain. Additionally, it covers the structure and functions of neurons, including dendrites, soma, and axon. Test your understanding of how these elements interact within the nervous system.