Chapter 2 (Vocabulary)

Question 1

An extensive network of specialized cells that carries information to and from all parts of the body.

Answer 1

Nervous System

Question 2

A branch of the life sciences that deals with the structure and function of neurons, nerves, and nervous tissue.

Answer 2

Neuroscience

Question 3

branch of neuroscience that focuses on the biological bases of psychological processes, behavior and learning.

Answer 3

Biological psychology/Behavioral neuroscience

Question 4

The basic cell that makes up the nervous system and that receives and sends messages within that system.

Answer 4

Neuron

Question 5

Branchlike structures that receive messages from other neurons.

Answer 5

Dendrites

Question 6

The cell body of the neuron responsible for maintaining the life of the cell.

Answer 6

Soma

Question 7

Tube like structure that carries the neural message to other cells.

Answer 7

Axon

Question 8

Cells that provide support for the neurons to grow on and around deliver nutrients to neurons, produce myelin to coat axons, clean up waste products and dead neurons, influence information processing, and during prenatal development, influence the generation of new neurons.

Answer 8

Glial Cells

Question 9

Fatty substances produced by certain glial cells that coat the axons of neurons to insulate, protect, and speed up the neural impulse.

Answer 9

Myelin

Question 10

Bundles of axons coated in myelin that travel together through the body.

Answer 10

Nerves

Question 11

Process of molecules moving from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Answer 11

Diffusion

Question 12

The state of the neuron when not firing a neural impulse.

Answer 12

Resting Potential

Question 13

The release of the neural impulse consisting of a reversal of the electrical charge within the axon.

Answer 13

Action Potential

Question 14

Referring to the fact that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all.

Answer 14

All-or-None

Question 15

Rounded areas on the end of the axon terminals.

Answer 15

Synaptic Knob

Question 16

Branches at the end of the axon

Answer 16

Axon Terminals

Question 17

Saclike structures found inside the synaptic knob containing chemicals.

Answer 17

Synaptic vesicles

Question 18

Chemical found in the synaptic vesicles that, when released, has an effect on the next cell.

Answer 18

Neurotransmitter

Question 19

Microscopic fluid-filled space between the synaptic knob of one cell and the dendrites or surface of the next cell.

Answer 19

Synapse (Synaptic Gap)

Question 20

3-dimensional proteins on the surface of the dendrites or certain cell of the muscles and glands, which are shaped to fit only certain neurotransmitters.

Answer 20

Receptor Sites

Question 21

Synapse at which a neurotransmitter cause the receiving cell to fire.

Answer 21

Excitatory Synapse

Question 22

Synapse at which a neurotransmitter causes the receiving cell to stop firing.

Answer 22

Inhibitory Synapse

Question 23

Chemical substances that block or reduce a cell’s response to the action of other chemicals or neurotransmitters.

Answer 23

Antagonists

Question 24

Chemical substance that mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter on the receptor sites of the next cell, increasing or decreasing the activity of that cell.

Answer 24

Agonists

Question 25

Process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the synaptic vesicles.

Answer 25

Reuptake

Question 26

Process by which structure of neurotransmitter is altered so it can no longer act on a receptor.

Answer 26

Enzymatic Degradation

Question 27

Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Answer 27

Central nervous system (CNS)

Question 28

A long bundle of neurons that carries messages between the body and the brain and its responsible for very fast, lifesaving reflexes.

Answer 28

Spinal Cord

Question 29

A neuron that carries information from the senses to the central nervous system.

Answer 29

Afferent (Sensory) Neuron

Question 30

A neuron found in the center of the spinal cord that receives information from the afferent neurons and sends commands to the muscles through the efferent neurons. Interneurons also make up the bulk of the neurons in the brain.

Answer 30

Interneuron

Question 31

The connection of the afferent neurons to the interneurons to the efferent neurons, resulting in a reflex action.

Answer 31

Reflex Arc

Question 32

The ability within the brain to constantly change both the structure and function of many cells in response to experience or trauma.

Answer 32

Neuroplasticity

Question 33

Special cells found in all the tissues of the body that are capable of becoming other cell types when those cells need to be replaced due to damage or wear and tear.

Answer 33

Stem Cell

Question 34

All nerves and neurons that are not contained in the brain and spinal cord but that run through the body itself.

Answer 34

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Question 35

Division of the PNS consisting of nerves that carry information from the senses to the CNS and from the CNS to the voluntary muscles of the body.

Answer 35

Somatic Nervous System

Question 36

Division of the PNS consisting of nerves that control all of the involuntary muscles, organs, and glands.

Answer 36

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Question 37

Nerves coming from the sensory organs to the CNS consisting of afferent neurons.

Answer 37

Sensory Pathway

Question 38

Nerves coming from the CNS to the voluntary muscles, consisting of efferent neurons.

Answer 38

Motor Pathway

Question 39

Part of the ANS that is responsible for reacting to stressful events and bodily arousal.

Answer 39

Sympathetic division (Fight or Flight)

Question 40

Part of the ANS that restores the body to normal functioning after arousal and is responsible for the day to day functioning of the organs and glands.

Answer 40

Parasympathetic Division