Chapter Two

Question 1

What is an Axon?

Answer 1

The part of the neuron that carries messages destined for other neurons.

Question 2

What are dendrites?

Answer 2

A cluster of fibres at one end of a neuron that receives messages from other neurons.

Question 3

What are glial cells?

Answer 3

Glial cells are a type of cell that provides physical and chemical support to neurons and maintain their environment.

Question 4

what is myelination?

Answer 4

The development of myelin on the axon of a neuron, which allows the neuron to send messages more rapidly.

Question 5

What is synapses?

Answer 5

The space between two neurons where the axon of a sending neuron communicates with the dendrites of a receiving neuron by using chemical messages.

Question 6

What are synaptic vesicles?

Answer 6

Key organelles involved in synaptic functions such as uptake, storage, and stimulus-dependent release of neurotransmitters.

Question 7

What are the Neuronal Components?

Answer 7

The cell, axons, dendrites and myelin sheath.

Question 8

What are terminal buttons?

Answer 8

Small bulges at the end of axons that send messages to other neurons.

Question 9

What is a cell body?

Answer 9

Contains genetic information, maintains the neuron’s structure, and provides energy to drive activity.

Question 10

What is the myelin sheath?

Answer 10

A protective coat of fat and protein that wraps around the neuron.

Question 11

What is the resting state?

Answer 11

The state in which there is a negative electrical charge of about –70 millivolts within a neuron.

Question 12

What is action potential?

Answer 12

An electric nerve impulse that travels through a neuron’s axon when it is set off by a “trigger,” changing the neuron’s charge from negative to positive.

Question 13

What is the absolute refractory period?

Answer 13

The resting state after a neuron fires, during which is it not possible for the neuron to fire again.

Question 14

What is the relative refractory period?

Answer 14

The time period after the absolute refractory period during which a neuron can send a signal, if it receives stronger stimulation than when it is in its normal baseline state.

Question 14

What are excitatory messages?

Answer 14

A chemical message that makes it more likely that a receiving neuron will fire and an action potential will travel down its axon.

Question 15

What are inhibitory messages?

Answer 15

A chemical message that prevents or decreases the likelihood that a receiving neuron will fire.

Question 16

What is reuptake?

Answer 16

The reabsorption of neurotransmitters by a terminal button.

Question 17

What is an EEG?

Answer 17

Electrodes placed around the skull record the electrical signals transmitted through the brain.

Question 18

What is an fMRI?

Answer 18

Able to view features of less than a millimeter in size and view changes in one-tenth of a second. Helps to view chronic back pain to a nervous system disorder like a stroke.

Question 19

What is a PET?

Answer 19

Scans that show biochemical activity within the brain at any given moment. May be used in cases of memory problems, seeking to identify brain tumors.

Question 20

What is a TMS?

Answer 20

The newest type of scans. Exposes a tiny region of the brain to a strong magnetic field. Has the potential to treat mental disorders.

Question 21

What is an MRI?

Answer 21

Scan that takes images from multiple angles. Shows where the blood vessels, neurons, sinuses, and other soft tissues are.

Question 22

What are the different lobes of the brain?

Answer 22

Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Occipital Lode

Question 23

What is the limbic system?

Answer 23

The part of the brain that controls eating, aggression, and reproduction.

Question 24

What is the sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 24

Your sympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves that helps your body activate its “fight-or-flight” response. This system’s activity increases when you’re stressed, in danger or physically active.

Question 25

What is the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 25

our parasympathetic nervous system’s job is usually to relax or reduce your body’s activities.

Question 26

How are hormones different from neurotransmitters?

Answer 26

Neurotransmitters are locally concentrated; hormones are diffused.

Question 27

What general functions is the Frontal Lobe responsible for?

Answer 27

Motor area and Broca’s area.

Question 28

What general functions is the Occipital Lobe responsible for?

Answer 28

Visual area and visual association area

Question 29

What general functions is the Parietal Lobe responsible for?

Answer 29

Somatosensory area and Somatosensory association area.

Question 30

What general functions is the Temporal Lobe responsible for?

Answer 30

Primary auditory area, Wernicke’s area, Auditory association area.

Question 31

What is Neuroplasticity?

Answer 31

Changes in the brain that occur throughout the lifespan relate to the addition of new neurons, new interconnections between neurons, and the reorganization of information-processing areas.

Question 32

What is Neuroplasticity?

Answer 32

Changes in the brain that occur throughout the life span relating to the addition of new neurons, new interconnections between neurons, and the reorganization of information-processing areas.