Behavioural neuroscience

Question 1

Explain how the presence of myelin on an axon speeds up conduction velocity

Answer 1

Through a process called saltatory conduction. Myelin acts as insulation leaving small gaps called nodes of ranvier. Electrical signal jumps from one node to the next making the signal travel faster

Question 2

Explain the concept of long term potentiation

Answer 2

Ltp is a key mechanism for learning and memory. It is a process in which synaptic connection between neurons get stronger the more they’re used. It occurs when one neuron repeatedly sends signals to another and the receiving neuron becomes more responsive over time

Question 3

List three most commonly affected brain regions in the behavioural variant of frontal temporal dementia

Answer 3

Frontal lobe (prefrontal cortex)

Anterior cingulate cortex

Anterior temporal lobe

Question 4

Outline three clinical features

Answer 4

Personality change (apathy and socially inappropriate)

Inability to regulate emotions

Lack of empathy

Question 5

Explain how the amygdala is implicated in depression

Answer 5

Is involved in processing of emotions and in individuals with depression it often shows hyperactivity in response to negative stimuli which may contribute to the exaggerated negative processing involved in depression. It is also closely connected to areas involved in regulating emotional responses and memory and disruption can impact one’s ability to effectively regulate their emotions.

Question 6

Explain concept of biological aging

Answer 6

The deterioration of cells, tissue and organ function over time which leaves to increased vulnerability to disease.

Question 7

Factors which influence biological aging

Answer 7

Genetics,
Lifestyle,
Cellular damage,
Environmental factors

Question 8

What is nociceptive pain

Answer 8

A kind of pain that occurs when nociceptors detect tissue damage or potential tissue damage and send signals to the brain to interpret that pain

Question 9

Give example of behaviour influenced by somatic nervous system

Answer 9

Somatic= conscious
Picking up a cup of water

Question 10

Give example of autonomic behaviour

Answer 10

=automatic
Heartbeat or breathing

Question 11

Subtype of schizophrenia

Answer 11

Paranoid= powerful but false beliefs, usually of a grandiose nature, hallucinations such as hearing voices and emotional distress

Question 12

2nd subtype of schizophrenia

Answer 12

Disorganised= chaotic thoughts and incoherent speech. Inappropriate emotional responses. Disorganised behaviour and thought processes

Question 13

Main connections and functions of hypothalamus

Answer 13

Helps control the autonomic nervous system to help respond to stress and to relax when need. it also works closely with pituitary gland to regulate hormones

Question 16

What does functional imaging methods measure

Answer 16

Measure brain activity in real time showing how different parts of the brain work during tasks like thinking feeling or moving

Question 17

What does structural imaging methods measure

Answer 17

Measure the structure of the brain, showing its size shape and condition but it doesn’t show its activity