Chapter 3

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

nerve cell specialized for

communication

Question 2

Function of a neuron

Answer 2

The functioning of our brain depends on continual cross-talk among neurons—nerve
cells specialized for communication with each other. Neurons receive chemical messages from other neurons by way of synaptic contacts with dendrites. Next, neurons send action potentials
down along their axons, some of which are coated with myelin to make the electrical signal travel faster.

Question 3

Dendrites

Answer 3

Like the receivers on our cell phones, these numerous dendrites spread
out to “listen in” on conversations from neighboring neurons and pass them on to the cell
body

Question 4

Axons and Axon Terminals

Answer 4

“cell phone transmitters” They’re specialized for sending messages to other neurons. These
long tail-like extensions are usually very thin near the cell body

Question 5

Neurotransmitters

Answer 5

chemical messenger specialized
for communication from neuron to
neuron

Question 6

Synaptic Vesicle

Answer 6

spherical sac containing
neurotransmitters. Think of this like a gel capsule. Once swallowed and inside your stomach, the outside dissolves and the medicine inside it moves down our digestive tracts

Question 7

Synapse

Answer 7

Once released from the synaptic vesicle, neurotransmitters enter the synapse,
a tiny fluid-filled space between neurons through which neurotransmitters travel

Question 8

Synaptic Cleft

Answer 8

a gap into which neurotransmitters are released from the
axon terminal. This gap is surrounded by small patches of membrane on each side, one on
the sending axon of the first neuron and the other on the receiving dendrite of the second
neuron

Question 9

Glial (glue) Cells

Answer 9

cell in the nervous system that plays
a role in the formation of myelin and
the blood–brain barrier, responds to
injury, removes debris, and enhances
learning and memory

Question 10

Myelin Sheath

Answer 10

glial cells wrapped around axons
that act as insulators of the neuron’s
signal. Contains numerous gaps all
the way along the axon called nodes, which help the neuron conduct electricity more efficiently

Question 11

Resting Potential

Answer 11

electrical charge difference (–60
millivolts) across the neuronal
membrane when the neuron is not
being stimulated or inhibited

Question 12

Threshold

Answer 12

membrane potential necessary to

trigger an action potential

Question 13

Action Potential

Answer 13

electrical impulse that travels down
the axon triggering the release of
neurotransmitters. How neurons communicate.

Question 14

Absolute Refractory Period

Answer 14

time during which another action
potential is impossible; limits
the maximal firing rate

Question 15

Receptor Site

Answer 15

location that uniquely recognizes a
neurotransmitter. Much as a lock works for only one key, different receptor sites recognize different
types of neurotransmitters

Question 16

Reuptake

Answer 16

A continually occurring process by which the synaptic vesicle reabsorbs the
neurotransmitter. We can think of release and reuptake of the neurotransmitter as analogous
to letting some liquid drip out of the bottom of a straw (release) and then sucking it back up

Question 17

Agonists

Answer 17

Opiates, such as codeine

and morphine increase receptor site activity

Question 18

Antagonists

Answer 18

decrease
receptor site activity. Most medications used to treat the severe mental disorder of schizophrenia block dopamine receptors by binding to them. Botox has the same effect.

Question 19

Glutamate and GABA

Answer 19

Most common neurotransmitter. The release of glutamate is associated with enhanced learning and memory. When
abnormally elevated, though, glutamate may contribute to schizophrenia and other mental disorders
because in high doses it can be toxic

Question 20

Acetylcholine

Answer 20

Neurotransmitter that plays roles in arousal, selective attention, memory, and sleep

Question 21

Monoamines

Answer 21

Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are the monoamine neurotransmitters. They contain only one amino acid, the building block of proteins.

Question 22

Anandamide

Answer 22

plays roles in eating, motivation, memory, and sleep. Binds to the same receptors as THC.

Question 23

Neuropeptides

Answer 23

So human-made opioids, like morphine,

exert their effects by “hijacking” the endorphin system, binding to endorphin receptors and mimicking their effects.

Question 24

Endorphin

Answer 24

chemical in the brain that plays a

specialized role in pain reduction

Question 25

Plasticity

Answer 25

ability of the nervous system to

change over time, such as in response to damage

Question 26

Neurogenesis

Answer 26

creation of new neurons in the adult

brain

Question 27

Stem Cell

Answer 27

a cell, often originating in embryos,
having the capacity to differentiate
into a more specialized cell

Question 28

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Answer 28

part of nervous system containing
the brain and spinal cord that
controls the mind and behavior

Question 29

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Answer 29

nerves in the body that extend outside

the central nervous system (CNS)

Question 30

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Answer 30

controls voluntary behavior. Divided from the peripheral nervous system

Question 31

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Answer 31

controls nonvoluntary functions of the body. controls behaviors that occur automatically, that is, outside of our conscious
awareness. (Breathing, blinking)

Question 32

Cerebral Ventricles

Answer 32

pockets in the brain that contain
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which
provide the brain with nutrients and
cushion against injury

Question 33

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 33

outermost part of forebrain,
responsible for analyzing sensory
processing and higher brain functions

Question 34

Forebrain (Cerebellum)

Answer 34

forward part of the brain that allows

advanced intellectual abilities

Question 35

cerebral hemispheres

Answer 35

two halves of the cerebral cortex,
each of which serve distinct yet
highly integrated functions

Question 36

corpus callosum

Answer 36

large band of fibers connecting the

two cerebral hemispheres

Question 37

frontal lobe

Answer 37

forward part of cerebral cortex
responsible for motor function,
language, memory, and planning

Question 38

motor cortex

Answer 38

part of frontal lobe responsible for

body movement

Question 39

prefrontal cortex

Answer 39

part of frontal lobe responsible for

thinking, planning, and language