chapter 9

Question 1

plasticity

Answer 1

the ability of the brains synapses to be modified

Question 2

neurotransmitters

Answer 2

chemicals that help the communication across nerve synapses

Question 3

alzheimer’s disease

Answer 3

a disease which progressively destroys neutrons in the brain, causing memory loss

Question 4

dendrites

Answer 4

the tree like element of a neuron that receives information from other neurons

Question 5

soma

Answer 5

cell body of a neuron. Controls metabolism and maintenance of the cell

Question 6

axon

Answer 6

the part of a neuron along which the electrochemical nerve-impulse is transmitted

Question 7

synapse

Answer 7

the connection between two neutrons

Question 8

synaptic transmission

Answer 8

the process of neurons communication with other neurons

Question 9

presynaptic neuron

Answer 9

a neuron which transmits information to another neuron

Question 10

postsynaptic neuron

Answer 10

a neuron which receives information from another neuron

Question 11

consolidation

Answer 11

process in which the brain forms a permanent representation of memory

Question 12

retrograde amnesia

Answer 12

inability to recall previously stored memories. A problem with retrieval

Question 13

anterograde amnesia

Answer 13

inability to encode and store new memories

Question 14

brain trauma

Answer 14

any form of organic (physical or chemical) damage to the brain

Question 15

dementia

Answer 15

a neurological disorder affecting higher mental functions, and may be caused by disease or brain damage