Module 4: Neural and Hormonal Systems

Question 1

localization

Answer 1

specific systems serve specific functions within the brain

Question 2

neuroplasticity

Answer 2

brain changes throughout life by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experiences; the brain is designed to change

Question 3

neuron

Answer 3

elementary components of nervous system; 3 types - motor, inter, sensory

Question 4

How are electrochemical signals sent and received within the nervous system?

Answer 4

sent through axon and terminal branches, received through dendrite

Question 5

myelin sheath

Answer 5

allows faster transmission of signal

Question 6

glial cells

Answer 6

provide myelin & support, nourish, and protect neurons

Question 7

action potential

Answer 7

if a combined signal received by a neuron exceeds a minimum threshold the neuron fires transmitting an electrical impulse down its axon; an al or none process

Question 8

neurotransmitters

Answer 8

may influence specific behaviors & emotions

Question 9

acetylcholine (ACh)

Answer 9

Enables muscle action, learning,
and memory; With Alzheimer’s disease, ACh-
producing neurons deteriorate

Question 10

dopamine

Answer 10

Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion; Oversupply linked to schizophrenia; Undersupply linked to tremors and decreased mobility in Parkinson’s disease

Question 11

serotonin

Answer 11

Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and
arousal; Undersupply linked to depression. Some drugs that raise serotonin levels are used to treat depression.

Question 12

norepinephrine

Answer 12

Helps control alertness and arousal; Undersupply can depress mood

Question 13

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric
acid)

Answer 13

A major inhibitory neurotransmitter; Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia

Question 14

glutamate

Answer 14

A major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in
memory; Oversupply can overstimulate the brain, producing migraines or seizures

Question 15

endorphins

Answer 15

Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain or pleasure; Oversupply with opiate drugs can suppress the body’s natural endorphin supply

Question 16

agonist

Answer 16

molecule that increases a neurotransmitter’s action

Question 17

antagonist

Answer 17

molecule that inhibits/blocks a neurotransmitter’s action

Question 18

nervous system

Answer 18

electrochemical communication network including cns and pns

Question 19

central nervous system (cns)

Answer 19

brain and spinal cord (decision makers)

Question 20

peripheral nervous system (pns)

Answer 20

sensor/motor neurons connect cns to body for gathering/transmitting infromation

Question 21

sensory neurons

Answer 21

transmits messages from body’s tissues and sensory receptors to spinal cord/brain

Question 22

motor neurons

Answer 22

transmits messages from cns to body’s muscles

Question 23

interneurons

Answer 23

(within brain & spinal cord) communicate with one another & process info between the sensory input and motor input

Question 24

somatic nervous system

Answer 24

(part of pns) sensory and motor input

Question 25

autonomic nervous system

Answer 25

(part of pns) automatic, self regulates internal organs

Question 26

sympathetic nervous system

Answer 26

(part of autonomic) arouses and expands energy; enables voluntary control of skeletal muscles

Question 27

parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 27

(part of autonomic) calms and conserves energy; allows routine maintenance activity and controls involuntary muscles and glands

Question 28

endocrine system

Answer 28

set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream; includes pituitary and hypothalamus

Question 29

pituitary

Answer 29

mater gland that influences hormone release by other glands (including adrenal glands - adrenaline, fight or flight)

Question 30

hypothalamus

Answer 30

influences the pituitary