Module 4 (Neural System)

Question 1

Nervous system

Answer 1

-the body’s command center
-made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
-sends electrical signals throughout the body

Question 2

Biological basis of behavior

Answer 2

-Developed from the functionalist/structuralist thinking
-the study of how biological factors, like genetics, hormones, and the nervous system, influence and shape an individual’s behavior
-goal: how can knowing about the nervous system help us understand behavior?

Question 3

Neuron

Answer 3

-basic unit of nervous system
-a cell that sends and receives electrical and chemical signals throughout the body
-enables us to think, feel, and move
-humans have about 1 trillion neurons
-each neuron is, on average, connected to 15,000 other neurons (62,000 miles)

Question 4

Synapse

Answer 4

-space that seperates two neurons
-neurotransmitters are released into synaptic gap

Question 5

Components of neuron

Answer 5

-cell body
-axon
-myelin sheath
-dendrites
-terminal buttons
-synapse

Question 6

axon

Answer 6

-long, thin fiber that transmits electrical impulses from the neuron’s cell body to other neurons or body tissues

Question 7

Myelin sheath

Answer 7

-a fatty, protein-rich layer
-insulates and protects nerve cells
-allows electrical impulses to travel quickly and efficiently (reflexes)
-includes nodes of ranvier to increase speed
-present in most motor neurons

Question 8

Dendrite

Answer 8

-the receiving or input portions of a neuron
-they are usually short, narrow and highly branched structures
-hold receptors for neurotansmitters

Question 8

Terminal button

Answer 8

-the small, rounded ends of axons that send signals to other neurons
-stores and releases neurotransmitters

Question 9

Neurotransmitter

Answer 9

-chemical messenger that crosses the synaptic gap between neurons
-binds to receptor sites on receiving neuron, influencing whether neuron will generate a neural impulse (causes action potential)
-often return back to presynaptic neuron or recycled
-contained in terminal buttons

Question 10

Action potential

Answer 10

-a neural impulse, a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
-all or nothing (no such thing as partial firing)
-pain spectrum influenced by number/frequency of neurons fired

Question 11

Multiple Sclerosis

Answer 11

-a chronic autoimmune disease
-damages the central nervous system (the myelin sheath)
-causes muscle weakness and mobility problems

Question 12

Dopamine and Schizophrenia

Answer 12

-most schizophrenia is due to excess dopamine
-amphetamines can produce excess dopamine
-competitive antagonists can block dopamine receptors and treat schizophrenia

Question 13

Dopamine and Parkinson’s

Answer 13

-Parkinson’s is caused by gradual degradation in neurons that use dopamine in brain
-causes dopamine to be scarce or no longer available
-precursors of dopamine (ectsasy/cocaine) can help treat Parkinson’s

Question 14

Dopamine

Answer 14

-a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a role in reward-seeking, movement, motivation, mood, memory
-can be cause of addiction (drugs that provide dopamine cause brain to slow/stop production of dopamine, creates dependence)

Question 15

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

Answer 15

-Prozac
-blocks reuptake of serotonin, causing there to be more serotonin available (increase in serotonin)
-helps treat anxiety

Question 16

Endorphin

Answer 16

-natural opiates (pain-relievers)
-important for pain regulation
-runner’s high, anorexia