General Psychology, 3: Biology and Behavior

Question 1

What is the purpose of the nervous system?

Answer 1

To carry information, in the form of electrochemical impulses, throughout the body.

Question 2

Which cell is the common, fundamental cell of the nervous system?

Answer 2

The neuron

Question 3

Dendrite

Answer 3

Branchlike part of the neuron that recieves signals from multiple cells

Question 4

Axon

Answer 4

Single long strand reaching out of the neuron, which transmits the action potential

Question 5

Action Potential

Answer 5

The state of a neuron when it is actively firing, transmitting a signal to other neurons that are connected to it.

Question 6

Resting Potential

Answer 6

the state of a neuron when its axon is not firing an action potential.

Question 7

Synapse

Answer 7

Area between neurons which includes the axon’s terminal button as well as the receptors on dendrites.

Question 8

Synaptic cleft

Answer 8

Microscopic gap between an axon’s terminal button and a dendrite.

Question 9

Neurotransmitter

Answer 9

Chemical messengers released during an action potential into the synaptic cleft, which excite or dampen activity in the receiving neuron.

Question 10

Central Nervous System

Answer 10

Consists of the brain and spinal cord

Question 11

Endocrine system

Answer 11

Consists of glands that create and secrete hormones, which carry information through the bloodstream rather than the nervous system.

Question 12

Who was Phineas Gage?

Answer 12

A man who suffered a tragic accident in which a railroad tie disfigured him and damaged a large part of his prefrontal cortex, unusually leaving him alive. However, his personality changed drastically afterward.

Question 13

EEG

Answer 13

Brain measurement device that uses electrodes placed around the scalp to measure general electrical activity in various regions of the brain.

Question 14

Limbic system

Answer 14

A network of brain structures in the center of the brain, critically involved in producing emotions, memories, appetites, and arousal.

Question 15

Hormone

Answer 15

Chemical messengers used in the endocrine system. Secreted by glands, they travel through the bloodstream.

Question 16

Nodes of Ranvier

Answer 16

Portions of the axon that are not myelinated

Question 17

Basal ganglia

Answer 17

A collection of subcortical structures, within the limbic system. They are essential for planning and producing movement.

Question 18

In physiology, what is the correct term for what are often called “pinched nerves”?

Answer 18

Bundles of long axons that extend from the brain out into peripheral parts of the body.

Question 19

Nucleus accumbens

Answer 19

A structure within the basal ganglia which is an essential part of the reward circuit. The release of dopamine aids in motivating an organism to approach pleasurable experiences.

Question 20

Genetic mutation

Answer 20

Random changes to DNA occuring within an organisms’ chromosomes. Although mutations are responsible for evolutionary change, the vast majority of them are detrimental to the organism’s fitness.