MCAT Quicksheets Flashcards
Three types of neurons
-Motor (efferent)
-Interneurons
-Sensory (afferent)
Parasympathetic Branch
of the autonomic nervous system and is focused on “rest and digest” responses
Responses:
-constricts pupils
-stimulates flow of saliva
-constricts bronchi
-slows heartbeat
-stimulates peristalsis and secretions
-stimulates bile release
-contracts bladder
Sympathetic Branch
of the autonomic nervous system and is focused on “flight or fight” responses
Responses:
-dilates pupils
- inhibits salivation
-relaxes bronchi
-accelerates heartbeat
-piloerection or sweating
-inhibits peristalsis and secretion
-stimulates glucose production and release
-secretion of adrenaline and noradrenalin
-inhibits bladder contraction
-stimulates orgasm
Hindbrain
contains the cerebellum, medulla oblongata, and reticular function
Midbrain
contains the inferior and superior colliculi
Forebrain
contains the thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, limbic system, and cerebral cortex
Thalamus
relay station for sensory information
Hypothalamus
maintains homeostatsis and integrates with the endocrine system through the hypophyseal portal system that connects it to the anterior pituitary
Basal Ganglia
smoothens movements and helps maintains postural stability
Limbic System
controls emotion and memory. includes the septal nuclei (pleasure-seeking), amygdala (fear and aggression), hippocampus (memory), and fornix (communication within the limbic system)
Cerebral Cortex Four Lobes
frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal
Acetylcholine
voluntary muscle control, parasympathetic nervous system, attention, alertness
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
fight or flight responses, wakefulness, alertness
Dopamine
smooth movements, postural stability
Serotonin
mood, sleep, eating, dreaming
GABA, Glycine
brain “stabilization”
Glutamate
brain “excitation”
Endorphins
natural painkillers
Nature vs. nurture
is a debate regarding the contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to an individual’s traits. family, twin, and adoption studies are used to study nature vs. nurture
amphoteric
able to react as both an acid and a base
Arrhenius Acid
An acid is a species that produces excess H+ (protons) in an aqueous solution
Arrhenius Base
A base is a species that produces excess OH- (hydroxide ions)
Bronsted Lowry Acid
An acid is a species that donates protons
Bronsted Lowry Base
A base is a species that accepts protons
Lewis Acid
An acid is an electron pair acceptor
