Biopsychology

Question 1

Axon

Answer 1

Major extension of the soma

Question 2

Dendrite

Answer 2

Receives incoming signals from other neurons

Question 3

Glial Cell

Answer 3

Cell in the nervous system that provides physical/metabolic support for neurons

Question 4

Myelin Sheath

Answer 4

Fatty substance that insulates axons

Question 5

Neurotransmitter

Answer 5

Chemical messenger of the nervous system

Question 6

Neuron

Answer 6

Cells in the nervous system that act as interconnected information processors, and are essential for all tasks in the nervous system

Question 7

Receptor

Answer 7

Protein on cell membrane surface where neurotransmitters attach

Question 8

Soma

Answer 8

The cell body

Question 9

Synapse

Answer 9

Small gap between two neurons where communication occurs

Question 10

Synaptic Vesicle

Answer 10

Storage site for neurotransmitters

Question 11

Action Potential

Answer 11

Electrical signal that moves down the neuron’s axis

Question 12

Agonist

Answer 12

Drug that mimics/strengthens the effects of a neurotransmitter

Question 13

Antagonist

Answer 13

Drug that blocks or impedes the normal activity of a given neurotransmitter

Question 14

amygdala

Answer 14

structure in the limbic system involved in our experience of emotion and tying emotional meaning to our memories

Question 15

cerebellum

Answer 15

hindbrain structure that controls our balance, coordination, movement, and motor skills, and it is thought to be important in processing some types of memory

Question 16

forebrain

Answer 16

largest part of the brain, containing the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the limbic system, among other structures

Question 17

cerebral cortex

Answer 17

surface of the brain that is associated with our highest mental capabilities

Question 18

midbrain

Answer 18

division of the brain located between the forebrain and the hindbrain; contains the reticular formation

Question 19

thalamus

Answer 19

sensory relay for the brain

Question 20

ventral tegmental area (VTA)

Answer 20

midbrain structure where dopamine is produced: associated with mood, reward, and addiction

Question 21

computerized tomography (CT) scan

Answer 21

imaging technique in which a computer coordinates and integrates multiple x-rays of a given area

Question 22

electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer 22

recording the electrical activity of the brain via electrodes on the scalp

Question 23

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Answer 23

MRI that shows changes in metabolic activity over time

Question 24

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer 24

magnetic fields used to produce a picture of the tissue being imaged