Ap Pyschology brain unit

Question 1

neuron

Answer 1

serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. If serotonin levels are low, it can lead to feelings of sadness or anxiety. This knowledge has led to the development of medications, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which help increase serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood and alleviating symptoms of depression.

Question 2

sensory nuerons

Answer 2

Sensory neurons that function as nociceptors detect harmful stimuli, signaling pain. This understanding helps in developing pain relief treatments. For instance, medications like analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen) work by blocking the signals sent by these sensory neurons to reduce the sensation of pain.

Question 3

interneuron

Answer 3

Interneurons play a key role in reflexes, such as the knee-jerk reflex. When you tap your knee, sensory neurons send signals to interneurons in the spinal cord, which quickly relay that information to motor neurons, causing your leg to kick without needing to involve the brain in that immediate response. This rapid reaction helps protect the body from harm. Understanding how this works can aid in developing treatments for spinal cord injuries or disorders that affect reflexes.

Question 4

motor neuron

Answer 4

Conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affect motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Research on motor neurons helps develop therapies and interventions for individuals with such disorders. For example, physical therapy can help maintain muscle function and mobility for as long as possible, while assistive devices can support daily activities.

Question 5

reflex

Answer 5

When a doctor taps the patellar tendon below the kneecap, it triggers a reflex that causes the leg to kick. This test helps evaluate the integrity of the nervous system. A normal response indicates that the sensory and motor pathways are functioning properly, while an abnormal response may suggest nerve damage or neurological issues.

Question 6

reflex arc

Answer 6

If you accidentally touch a hot stove, the sensory neurons quickly send a signal to your spinal cord. The interneurons process this information and immediately relay it to motor neurons, which then instruct the muscles in your arm to withdraw your hand. This entire process happens in a fraction of a second, allowing you to avoid injury without having to think about it.

Question 7

dendrite

Answer 7

chronic stress may lead to a reduction in dendritic branching, which can impact cognitive functions like memory. Understanding these effects can inform therapeutic approaches in psychology and psychiatry.

Question 8

dendrite

Answer 8

In educational settings, techniques that promote active engagement, such as hands-on activities or collaborative learning, can enhance dendritic growth. This can lead to improved retention of information and skills. Understanding this helps educators create effective teaching strategies that foster learning.

Question 9

axon

Answer 9

When you decide to move a muscle (like lifting your arm), motor neurons send signals through their axons to the muscle fibers. This communication allows for smooth and coordinated movements. Understanding how axons function helps in areas such as physical therapy, where therapists work to enhance motor control and recovery after injuries.

Question 10

axon

Answer 10

Conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) involve damage to the myelin sheath surrounding axons. This can disrupt signal transmission, leading to symptoms like weakness and coordination problems. Awareness of how axons work informs treatment strategies for managing such disorders, including medication and rehabilitation techniques.

Question 11

myelin sheath

Answer 11

In multiple sclerosis , the immune system attacks and damages the myelin sheath. This demyelination slows down or disrupts the transmission of signals between the brain and the body, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, coordination problems, and cognitive difficulties. Understanding how the myelin sheath functions is crucial for developing treatments and management strategies for MS.

Question 12

multiple sclerosis

Answer 12

MS can lead to a variety of psychological issues, including depression and anxiety. Understanding these impacts helps mental health professionals provide appropriate support and therapy for individuals with MS.

Question 13

action potential

Answer 13

Antidepressants like SSRIs can alter how neurons generate action potentials, influencing mood and behavior by affecting neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Disorders like multiple sclerosis disrupt action potentials by damaging the myelin sheath, leading to slower signal transmission.

Question 14

all or nothing principle

Answer 14

When you see a flash of light, the neurons in your retina either fire or don’t. The brain receives signals at full strength, which contributes to the clarity of visual perception. Dim light might not trigger enough action potentials to reach the threshold, so you might not perceive the light at all, but if the threshold is reached, the signal will be clear.

Question 15

resting potential

Answer 15

Imagine you’re walking through a dark room, and you suddenly feel a spider crawling on your hand. The neurons involved in touch are at resting potential, and when they detect the spider, they fire action potentials to alert your brain. Resting potential makes sure that the neurons are primed to react instantly when needed.

Question 16

firing threshold

Answer 16

If you accidentally step on a sharp object, the sensory neurons in your foot need to reach a certain firing threshold to send pain signals to your brain. Mild pressure may not trigger the neurons to fire, but a sharp object like a tack quickly pushes the neurons past the firing threshold, leading to the sensation of pain and an automatic withdrawal reflex.

Question 17

firing threshold

Answer 17

Imagine touching a feather lightly on your skin. The pressure might not reach the firing threshold of your sensory neurons, so you don’t feel it. However, if the pressure increases (like when you press harder), the neurons reach their firing threshold, and you feel the sensation.

Question 18

depolarization

Answer 18

Imagine hearing your name called in a crowded room. The sound waves from your name stimulate neurons in your ear, leading to depolarization. This signal is then transmitted to your brain, where it is processed, allowing you to recognize that someone is calling you.

Question 19

refractory period

Answer 19

Imagine hearing a loud clap of thunder followed by silence. Your neurons process the sound of the thunder, fire action potentials, and then enter a refractory period to reset. This ensures that you process the sound clearly, without a constant flood of signals, allowing you to hear the next sound distinctly.

Question 20

refractory period

Answer 20

If you enter a room with a strong smell, the sensory neurons in your nose initially fire action potentials, but over time, they enter a refractory period, preventing them from firing repeatedly. This is why you stop noticing the smell after a while, even though it’s still present. The refractory period helps you adapt to constant stimuli and shift your attention to new sensations.

Question 21

axon terminal buds

Answer 21

If you accidentally touch something hot, sensory neurons quickly send signals to the spinal cord, where axon terminal buds release neurotransmitters that pass the signal to motor neurons. This causes your muscles to contract and pull your hand away before the signal even reaches your brain, demonstrating how fast communication occurs through the terminal buds in reflex actions.

Question 22

synapse gap

Answer 22

When you see a red traffic light while driving, neurons in your visual cortex send signals through synapses to other parts of the brain. This communication across synaptic gaps helps you process that the light is red, prompting you to stop the car.

Question 23

brainstem

Answer 23

When riding a bike, your brainstem helps coordinate muscle movements so that you can maintain balance and pedal smoothly. This coordination happens without conscious thought, allowing you to focus on where you’re going rather than thinking about each individual movement.

Question 24

medulla

Answer 24

When you’re asleep, your medulla ensures that your heart continues beating and your lungs keep breathing automatically. Without having to think about it, your body sustains these essential functions, allowing you to stay alive even when you’re unconscious.

Question 25

reticular activating system

Answer 25

When you wake up in the morning, the RAS activates to increase your alertness, helping you transition from sleep to wakefulness. If you’re feeling groggy, the RAS might not be functioning optimally, making it harder to feel awake and alert.

Question 26

limbic system

Answer 26

When you receive a good grade on a test, the limbic system triggers feelings of joy and satisfaction, reinforcing positive behaviors like studying. Conversely, if you face criticism, the amygdala may activate feelings of anxiety or fear.

Question 27

thalamus

Answer 27

When you smell cookies baking, the odor molecules stimulate olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity. These signals are sent directly to the olfactory bulb, which processes the information before relaying it to the limbic system and other parts of the brain.

Question 28

cerebellum

Answer 28

When you throw a basketball, the cerebellum helps you coordinate the movements of your arm, hand, and body, allowing for an accurate shot. Without proper cerebellar function, movements may become jerky or uncoordinated.

Question 29

hippocampus

Answer 29

Traumatic experiences may create strong memories due to the emotional context, making them easier to recall later. The hippocampus helps form these memories in conjunction with the amygdala, which processes emotions.

Question 30

amygalda

Answer 30

If you encounter a barking dog, the amygdala quickly assesses the situation and triggers a fear response, prompting you to react (e.g., by moving away or seeking safety).