Exam 1 (Chapter 1-4)

Question 1

Axon

Answer 1

A main structure of a neuron which conducts information from soma to terminal buttons

Question 2

Myelin Sheath

Answer 2

A main structure of a neuron which surrounds the axon and increases the speed of neurotransmitters released.

Question 3

Dentrites

Answer 3

Receives stimulation from sense receptors

Question 4

Soma

Answer 4

Integrates information about stimulation and passes it down to the axon; contains nucleus and cytoplasm.

Question 5

Functions of Glial Cells

Answer 5

• forms myelin sheath
• holds neurons in place
• clears cellular “trash” left by damaged neurons
• prevents toxic substances from reaching parts of the brain

Question 6

Process of Synaptic Transmission

Answer 6

Neurons communicate with each other and information is passed down the axon causing an impulse known as ACTION POTENTIAL. The potential moves across the synaptic gap and neurotransmitters are realease. Once binding is completed, the neurotransmitters drift back and either decompose or reabsorb into the synaptic membrane.

Question 7

Action Potential

Answer 7

A nerve impulse which causes neurotransmitters to be released

Question 8

Resting Potential

Answer 8

A slight polarization that provides the context of an action potential.

Question 9

All or None Law

Answer 9

Either excitatory input (neuron fires) sum to the threshold level to reach a uniform action potential or none is reached and there is no action potential.

Question 10

Self Propagating

Answer 10

The size of action potential does not diminish along the length of the axon.

Question 11

Refractory Period

Answer 11

Occurs after action potential has passed down a segment of the axon

Question 12

Biochemical Bases of Action Potential

Answer 12

It is produced by the flow of charged particles (ions) through neuron membrane

Question 13

Sensory

Answer 13

One of the three classes of a neuron which carries messages from sense receptors towards the Central Nervous System

Question 14

Motor

Answer 14

One of the three classes of a neuron which carries messages from the Central Nervous System towards the muscles and glands

Question 15

Interneurons

Answer 15

One of the three classes of a neuron which relays messages from the sensory neurons to other interneurons

Question 16

Neurogenesis

Answer 16

Birth of new neurons in the brain

Question 17

Central Nervous System

Answer 17

Consists of the brain and spinal cord and helps to coordinate bodily functions

Question 18

Peripheral Nervous System

Answer 18

Links the body to the outside world through senses, housekeeping (waste), calms the body, prepares the body for stress (fight or flight)

Question 19

Brain Stem

Answer 19

A layer of the brain which is involved with the autonomic process; heart rate, digestion

Question 20

Limbic System

Answer 20

Involved with memory, emotion and motivation; temperature, blood pressure

Question 21

Cerebrum

Answer 21

A layer of the brain which is the mind. It regulates the brain’s higher cognitive function

Question 22

Medulla

Answer 22

Center of breathing

Question 23

Pons

Answer 23

Provides input to other structures

Question 24

Thalamus

Answer 24

Channels incoming sensory information

Question 25

Cerebellum

Answer 25

Coordinates body movements

Question 26

Hippocampus

Answer 26

Involved in remembering memories

Question 27

Amygdala

Answer 27

Involved in emotion control

Question 28

Hypothalamus

Answer 28

Involved in regulatory proccesses like eating

Question 29

Frontal

Answer 29

A lobe of the brain which functions for motor control

Question 30

Parietal

Answer 30

A lobe of the brain which functions for processing of sensations

Question 31

Temporal

Answer 31

A lobe of the brain which functions for process of hearing

Question 32

Occipital

Answer 32

A lobe of the brain which functions for perception of visual information

Question 33

Sensation

Answer 33

The process of which stimulation of sensory receptors produces impulses which represent experiences; nose, mouth, eyes

Question 34

Absolute threshold

Answer 34

The minimum amount of physical energy needed to produce a sensory experience