Neuroscience Part Two

Question 1

Endocrine system

Answer 1

The body’s communication system uses hormones. Changes caused by this system tend to be slower and last longer.

Question 2

Glands and hormones

Answer 2

Glands secrete hormones.
Hormones travel through the bloodstream, not the neural pathways like neurotransmitters.

Question 3

Pituitary gland

Answer 3

The “master gland.” Secretes many different hormones, some of which affect other glands.

Question 4

Thyroid gland

Answer 4

Effects metabolism

Question 5

Parathyroids

Answer 5

Help regulate the level of calcium in the blood.

Question 6

Adrenal glands

Answer 6

Inner part helps trigger the “fight-or-flight response.

Question 7

Pancreas

Answer 7

Regulates blood sugar levels

Question 8

Testis

Answer 8

Secretes male sex hormones

Question 9

Ovary

Answer 9

Secretes female sex hormones

Question 10

Adrenaline

Answer 10

Arousal, fight-or-flight, from the adrenal gland

Question 11

Leptin

Answer 11

From fat cells saying “I’m full”

Question 12

Ghrelin

Answer 12

From stomach saying “I’m hungry”

Question 13

Melatonin

Answer 13

Tells you to go to sleep when it’s dark and can be affected by other lights such as devices.

Question 14

Oxytocin

Answer 14

Attachment and bonding such as during physical affection, sex, and birth.

Question 15

EEG

Answer 15

Electroencephalogram. Evaluates electrical activity in the brain.

Question 16

CT scan

Answer 16

Computed tomography. Uses multiple X-rays from different angles to produce cross-section images.

Question 17

PET

Answer 17

Positron emission tomography. Radioactive fluid is injected into the bloodstream. Neurons light up when part of the brain is used.

Question 18

MRI

Answer 18

Magnetic resonance imaging. Uses magnetic fields to generate pictures of organs.

Question 19

fMRI

Answer 19

Functional magnetic resonance imaging. Mostly used in the brain. It detects blood flow changes and where blood in the brain is going. Isn’t fully reliable and still has bugs.

Question 20

Thalamus

Answer 20

Sensory control center, directs sensations to appropriate areas of the brain.

Question 21

Reticular formation

Answer 21

Controls alertness (circadian rhythm and consciousness) and multitasking.

Question 22

Medulla

Answer 22

Controls heart rate and breathing

Question 23

Brainstem

Answer 23

It’s stacked ontop of the spinal cord with the most primitive parts of the brain, put deepest for the most protection and best chance of survival.

Question 24

Limbic system

Answer 24

Structures in the midbrain. Emotions and basic survival

Question 25

Amygdala

Answer 25

Base emotion, emotional memories (aggression, fear, and lust).

Question 26

Hypothalamus

Answer 26

Regulates hunger, thirst, blood pressure, sleep, and sex drive. Communicates to and controls the pituitary gland and creates homeostasis.

Question 27

Hippocampus

Answer 27

Helps in forming new memories and develops fully at around age three for conscious memory to start forming. It grows smaller as we age, which is why old people can struggle to form new memories.