Chapter 2: Biology of the Mind

Question 1

The brain is characterized by…

Answer 1

neuroplasticity

Question 2

The brain is always….

Answer 2

changing

Question 3

The brain __________ after damage

Answer 3

reorganizes

Question 4

The brain tends to reorganize best in what stage of life?

Answer 4

childhood

Question 5

The brain builds new _____ based on _____________

Answer 5

pathways; experience

Question 6

What is this an example of?

Grey matter volume in the hippocampus of London taxi drivers.

Answer 6

Neuroplasticity

Question 7

Make up the brain & nervous system.

Answer 7

Neurons

Question 8

Cells that specialize in communication.

Answer 8

Neurons

Question 9

Group into distinct brain systems that serve specific functions.

Answer 9

Neurons

Question 10

________ are NOT only found in the brain.

Answer 10

Neurons

Question 11

The neuron structure consists of:

Answer 11

soma, axon, myelin sheath, glial cells, dendrites, and terminal branches

Question 12

Provide myelin, support, & protection

Answer 12

Glial cells

Question 13

Neuron either fires at same intensity & speed or doesn’t.

Answer 13

all-or-none response

Question 14

Brief pause after action potential when neuron can’t fire again.

Answer 14

Refractory period

Question 15

What step is this in action potential?

If signal passes threshold, + ions rush in > action potential

Answer 15

First

Question 16

What step is this in action potential?

Signal moves down axon. Once signal has passed, repolarization occurs, letting out + ions

Answer 16

Second

Question 17

What step is this in action potential?

Pump restores resting potential (- electrical charge) of cell

Answer 17

Third (last)

Question 18

1. ________ receive chemical signal from another neuron.

Answer 18

Dendrites

Question 19

2. If the strength of received signal exceeds the threshold,
   the neuron _______ & fires action potential.

Answer 19

depolarizes

Question 20

3. Action potential (electrical charge) travels _______ the axon.

Answer 20

down

Question 21

4. _________ release neurotransmitters into synapses,
   which bind to receptors on other neurons.

Answer 21

Terminal branches

Question 22

5. After firing, _______ reuptakes excess neurotransmitter.

Answer 22

neuron

Question 23

bond to specific receptors; those that don’t fit are ignored

Answer 23

Neurotransmitters (NTs)

Question 24

can excite or inhibit receiving neuron

Answer 24

Neurotransmitters (NTs)

Question 25

Drugs/other molecules can ______/______ NT’s action.

Answer 25

mimic/block

Question 26

Ach antagonist
* blocks muscle movement

Answer 26

botulinum (toxin)

Question 27

Hormones effect the _______

Answer 27

brain

Question 28

What is this an example of?

Effects of estrogen on hippocampal dendritic spine density
in female rats.

Answer 28

endocrine system

Question 29

tissue destruction
* either naturally occurring or experimental

Answer 29

Lesion