Chapter 4: The Biological Bases of Behaviour

Question 1

Identify the three basic types of neurons

Answer 1

The three basic types of neurons are sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.

Question 2

Describe the basic structure of neurons

Answer 2

Neurons consist of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon.

Question 3

Explain how the myelin sheath and glial cells support neuronal functioning

Answer 3

The myelin sheath insulates axons to speed up signal transmission, while glial cells provide support and nourishment to neurons.

Question 4

Explain how neurons communicate with each other

Answer 4

Neurons communicate through action potentials and neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft.

Question 5

What terms should you be able to explain regarding neuronal communication?

Answer 5

You should be able to explain action potential, cell membrane, intracellular fluid, extracellular fluid, resting potential, ion channels, depolarization, voltage threshold, repolarization, refractory period, synaptic cleft, neurotransmitter, and receptor.

Question 6

How are action potentials generated and propagated within neurons?

Answer 6

Action potentials are generated when a neuron’s membrane depolarizes past a voltage threshold, allowing ion channels to open and propagate the electrical signal.

Question 7

How is the electrical signal converted into a chemical signal for cross-synaptic communication?

Answer 7

The electrical signal triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, which bind to receptors on the receiving neuron.

Question 8

Explain how neurotransmitters get removed from the synaptic cleft

Answer 8

Neurotransmitters are removed from the synaptic cleft through reuptake by the presynaptic neuron or by enzymatic degradation.

Question 9

Define and contrast excitatory and inhibitory signals

Answer 9

Excitatory signals increase the likelihood of a neuron firing, while inhibitory signals decrease that likelihood.

Question 10

Explain the functions of GABA, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins

Answer 10

GABA inhibits neuronal activity, acetylcholine is involved in muscle activation and memory, norepinephrine affects attention and responding actions, serotonin regulates mood and sleep, dopamine is linked to reward and motivation, and endorphins reduce pain and enhance pleasure.

Question 11

What are psychoactive drugs?

Answer 11

Psychoactive drugs are substances that alter mood, perception, and cognitive processes.

Question 12

Distinguish between an agonist and antagonist

Answer 12

An agonist activates receptors to produce a biological response, while an antagonist blocks receptors and inhibits a response.

Question 13

Explain which endogenous system opioid drugs act on, and why they are so addictive

Answer 13

Opioid drugs act on the endogenous opioid system, which regulates pain and reward, contributing to their addictive potential.

Question 14

Define nerve and nervous system

Answer 14

A nerve is a bundle of axons, while the nervous system is the network of all nerves and cells that transmit signals throughout the body.

Question 15

Identify the subdivisions of the nervous system and their functions

Answer 15

The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS); the CNS processes information, while the PNS connects the CNS to the body.

Question 16

Identify the parts of your nervous system that are and are not under conscious control; describe their functions

Answer 16

The somatic nervous system is under conscious control (e.g., voluntary movements), while the autonomic nervous system is not (e.g., heart rate, digestion).

Question 17

Explain what the endocrine system is

Answer 17

The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones to regulate various bodily functions.

Question 18

Describe the role of the pituitary gland

Answer 18

The pituitary gland is known as the ‘master gland’ because it regulates other endocrine glands and controls growth and metabolism.

Question 19

Explain what oxytocin is and the role it is thought to play in social behaviour

Answer 19

Oxytocin is a hormone associated with social bonding, trust, and emotional regulation.

Question 20

Explain what a spinal reflex is

Answer 20

A spinal reflex is an automatic response to a stimulus that occurs without direct involvement of the brain.

Question 21

Describe the functions of the pons, medulla oblongata, reticular formation, and cerebellum

Answer 21

The pons regulates sleep and arousal, the medulla oblongata controls vital functions like breathing, the reticular formation modulates consciousness, and the cerebellum coordinates movement and balance.

Question 22

Identify the major regions of the limbic system and their functions

Answer 22

The major regions of the limbic system include the amygdala (emotion), hippocampus (memory), and hypothalamus (hormonal regulation).

Question 23

What is Capgras syndrome?

Answer 23

Capgras syndrome is a psychological condition where a person believes that a loved one has been replaced by an imposter.

Question 24

Identify the lobes of the cerebral cortex and identify their functions (in broad terms)

Answer 24

The lobes of the cerebral cortex include the frontal lobe (decision making), parietal lobe (sensory processing), occipital lobe (vision), and temporal lobe (auditory processing).

Question 25

Explain what it means for the primary somatosensory and motor cortices to be topographically organized

Answer 25

Topographical organization means that specific areas of the primary somatosensory and motor cortices correspond to specific body parts.

Question 26

What determines the amount of space devoted to representing a particular body part in these regions?

Answer 26

The amount of space is determined by the sensitivity and motor control required for that body part.

Question 27

Describe the difference between primary and association cortex

Answer 27

Primary cortex is responsible for initial processing of sensory information, while association cortex integrates and interprets that information.

Question 28

Explain how the two brain hemispheres communicate

Answer 28

The two brain hemispheres communicate through the corpus callosum, a bundle of nerve fibers.

Question 29

Explain what is meant by contralateral organization

Answer 29

Contralateral organization refers to the phenomenon where each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body.

Question 30

Explain what is meant by lateralization; describe how certain language capacities serve as an example

Answer 30

Lateralization refers to the specialization of certain functions in one hemisphere; for example, language is typically localized in the left hemisphere.

Question 31

Explain how experiments with split-brain patients can further our understanding of lateralization of function

Answer 31

Experiments with split-brain patients show how each hemisphere can operate independently, revealing the distinct functions of each side.

Question 32

Be prepared to make predictions about how a split-brain patient may respond to a particular pattern of visual or tactile stimulation

Answer 32

A split-brain patient may be unable to verbally identify an object in their left visual field, as that information is processed in the right hemisphere.

Question 33

Distinguish between Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area

Answer 33

Broca’s area is involved in speech production, while Wernicke’s area is involved in language comprehension.

Question 34

Describe the different types of approaches taken for studying the brain, including their advantages and limitations

Answer 34

Approaches include neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI), electrophysiology (e.g., EEG), and lesion studies, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Question 35

What is neural plasticity? What are some examples discussed in class and the textbook?

Answer 35

Neural plasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself; examples include recovery from brain injury and learning new skills.

Question 36

What is phantom limb syndrome and what is it an example of?

Answer 36

Phantom limb syndrome is the sensation that an amputated limb is still present, illustrating neural plasticity.

Question 37

What is a critical period? Give an example.

Answer 37

A critical period is a specific time frame during which certain experiences must occur for normal development; an example is language acquisition in early childhood.