Neural signalling - neurons in the brain

Question 1

What are pain receptors also known as?

Answer 1

Nociceptors

Nociceptors are sensory receptors that respond to potentially damaging stimuli

Question 2

What type of nerve endings do pain receptors have?

Answer 2

Free nerve endings

These are unencapsulated nerve endings

Question 3

What do the exposed dendrites of pain receptors contain?

Answer 3

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels

TRP channels open in response to stimuli indicating potential tissue damage

Question 4

Name three types of stimuli that can activate pain receptors.

Answer 4

• High temperature
• Acid
• Chemicals (e.g., capsaicin in chili peppers)

These stimuli can indicate a risk of tissue damage

Question 5

What happens when positively charged ions enter pain receptors?

Answer 5

Threshold potential is reached and an action potential is generated

This action potential travels along the axon to the central nervous system

Question 6

Where is pain perceived in the brain?

Answer 6

Cerebral cortex

The cerebral cortex is involved in processing pain signals and generating a protective response

Question 7

What is the survival and reproductive advantage of pain sensitivity?

Answer 7

Sensitivity to pain helps organisms avoid harmful situations

Question 8

What is the largest part of the human brain?

Answer 8

Cerebrum

The cerebrum accounts for about 80% of the total mass of the brain

Question 9

List three functions carried out by the cerebrum.

Answer 9

• Vision
• Hearing
• Speech
• Thinking
• Memory

The cerebrum is involved in many conscious activities

Question 10

What is the outer layer of the cerebrum called?

Answer 10

Cerebral cortex or ‘grey matter’

The cerebral cortex consists of the cell bodies of neurones

Question 11

What structural feature of the cerebral cortex increases its capacity?

Answer 11

Highly folded surface

Increased surface area allows for more neurones

Question 12

What are emergent properties in the context of brain function?

Answer 12

Behaviours resulting from complex pathways

More connections between neurones lead to more complex behaviours

Question 13

What does consciousness incorporate?

Answer 13

Qualitative perception of feelings associated with colour, temperature, sound, and communication

This results in a complex awareness of the environment