Chapter 1_Introduction to Neuroscience

Question 1

Neuroscience

Answer 1

The scientific study of the nervous system, aiming to understand its structure, function, development, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and pathology.

Question 2

Neurotransmitter

Answer 2

Chemical substances that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another ‘target’ neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.

Question 3

Neuron

Answer 3

A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.

Question 4

Synapse

Answer 4

The junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.

Question 5

Action Potential

Answer 5

A short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls, following a consistent trajectory.

Question 6

Neurogenesis

Answer 6

The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.

Question 7

Plasticity

Answer 7

The ability of the brain to change continuously throughout an individual’s life, e.g., brain cells forming new connections in response to learning.

Question 8

fMRI (Functional MRI)

Answer 8

Imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.

Question 9

Neurotransmission

Answer 9

The process by which signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a neuron to communicate with a target cell across a synapse.

Question 10

Molecular Neurobiology

Answer 10

The study of the molecular and genetic basis of neural structure and function.

Question 11

Neuroplasticity

Answer 11

The brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Question 12

Experimental Research

Answer 12

Involves manipulating one or more variables (independent variables) to observe the effect on another variable (dependent variable), while controlling other factors to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Question 13

Independent Variable

Answer 13

The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable.

Question 14

Dependent Variable

Answer 14

The variable being tested and measured in a scientific experiment.

Question 15

Confounding Variables

Answer 15

Extraneous variables that can influence the outcome of an experiment, leading to erroneous conclusions if not properly controlled.

Question 16

Control Group

Answer 16

In an experiment, the group that does not receive the experimental treatment, allowing researchers to compare its results to those of the experimental group.

Question 17

Observational Study

Answer 17

A study in which the researcher observes and records behavior or phenomena without manipulating any variables.

Question 18

Quasiexperimental Study

Answer 18

A study that aims to evaluate interventions but does not use randomization. Participants are assigned to groups based on non-random criteria.

Question 19

Case Study

Answer 19

An in-depth study of one individual, group, or event to explore the causes of underlying principles or behaviors.

Question 20

Phineas Gage

Answer 20

A railroad worker who survived a severe brain injury in 1848 that dramatically changed his personality and behavior, providing early evidence of the role of the frontal lobe in personality and behavior.

Question 21

Neurodegenerative

Answer 21

Referring to diseases characterized by progressive nerve cell loss, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Question 22

Localization Theory

Answer 22

The idea that specific functions are localized in particular areas of the brain.

Question 23

Distributive Processing Theory

Answer 23

The idea that cognitive functions involve coordinated activity across various brain regions rather than being localized to specific areas.

Question 24

Cognition

Answer 24

The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

Question 25

Endogenous Chemicals

Answer 25

Chemicals that originate from within an organism, tissue, or cell.

Question 26

Exogenous Chemicals

Answer 26

Chemicals that originate from outside an organism, tissue, or cell.

Question 27

Mind-Body Problem

Answer 27

The philosophical question concerning the relationship between mental states and physical states, especially the brain.

Question 28

Emergence

Answer 28

The phenomenon where larger entities, patterns, and regularities arise through interactions among smaller or simpler entities that themselves do not exhibit such properties.

Question 29

Computational Neuroscience

Answer 29

A field of study that uses mathematical models, theoretical analysis, and computational simulations to understand the function of the nervous system.

Question 30

Non-Experimental Research

Answer 30

Does not involve manipulating variables but instead observes, measures, or surveys participants in their natural settings to identify relationships or patterns without establishing causality.

Question 31

Behavioral Neuroscience

Answer 31

the study of how the brain and nervous system influence behavior, emotions, and cognition. It combines principles from psychology, biology, and neuroscience to understand how neural processes underlie various behaviors, including learning, memory, and decision-making.