Physiological Psychology

Question 1

Motor Neuron

Answer 1

A neuron whose cell body is located in the motor cortex, brainstem or the spinal cord.

Question 2

Sensory Neuron

Answer 2

Also known as afferent neurons. Neurons in the nervous system, that convert a specific type of stimulus, via their receptors, into action potentials or graded potentials.

Question 3

Dendrites

Answer 3

Projections from the neuron (nerve cell) that receive signals (information) from other neurons.

Question 4

Axon

Answer 4

Conducts electrical impulses known as action potentials away from the nerve cell body. The function of the axon is to transmit information to different neurons, muscles, and glands.

Question 5

Myelin Sheath

Answer 5

Insulating material that covers axons. It increases the rate at which electrical impulses are passed along the axon.

Question 6

Nodes of Ranvier

Answer 6

Interruptions in myelin sheath that make the message travel faster.

Question 7

Afferent Axon (Sensory Neurons)

Answer 7

Axon that brings information into a structure.

Question 8

Efferent Axon (Motor Neurons)

Answer 8

Axon that carries information away from a structure.

Question 9

Glia Cell

Answer 9

Non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system that do not produce electrical impulses.

Question 10

Astrocytes

Answer 10

Star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. They provide biochemical support of the cells that form the blood-brain barrier, regulate cerebral blood flow, and provide nutrients to the nervous tissue.

Question 11

Microglia

Answer 11

Acts as part of the immune system, removing waste material, viruses, and fungi from brain.

Question 12

Oligodendrocytes

Answer 12

Its main function is to provide support and insulation to axons in the central nervous system of some vertebrates.

Question 13

Schwann Cells

Answer 13

The main glial cell in the peripheral nervous system and play an essential role in the survival and functions of neurons.

Question 14

Electrical Gradient

Answer 14

Difference in electrical charge inside and outside the cell.

Question 15

Resting Potential

Answer 15

The electrical potential of a neuron relative to its surroundings when it is not stimulated.

Question 16

Hyperpolarization

Answer 16

Increase in negative charge.

Question 17

Depolarization

Answer 17

Decrease in negative charge.

Question 18

All-or-None Law

Answer 18

The principle that under given conditions the response of a nerve or muscle fiber to a stimulus at any strength above the threshold is the same.

Question 19

Refractory Period

Answer 19

The time in which a nerve cell is unable to fire an action potential.

Question 20

Reflex Arc

Answer 20

A neural pathway that controls a reflex.

Question 21

6 Types of Neurotransmitters

Answer 21

Amino Acids
Monamines
Acetylcholine
Neuropeptides
Turines
Gases

Question 22

Saltatory Conduction

Answer 22

The jumping of action potentials along myelinated axons from one node of Ranvier to the next node, increasing the conduction velocity of action potentials.

Question 23

Central Nervous System

Answer 23

Composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Question 24

Peripheral Nervous System

Answer 24

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Question 25

Autonomic Nervous System

Answer 25

Regulates heartbeat, respiration, digestion, glandular secretions. Helps regulate body temperature by activating sweating or shivering.

Question 26

Sympathetic Nervous System

Answer 26

Responsible for our "flight or fight" response. Increases heart rate, respiration, dilates pupils, and decreases digestion to maximize energy.

Question 27

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Answer 27

Opposite of sympathetic nervous system. Main role is to conserve energy.

Question 28

Hindbrain

Answer 28

Includes: Cerebullum, Medulla, Pons, Recticular Formation Where the brain meets the spinal cord. Responsible for vital funcuntioning nessescary for survival. Regulates breathing, digestion, arousal such as sleeping and waking.

Question 29

Midbrain

Answer 29

Responsible for motor function, control of vision and hearing, temperature regulation and sleep-wake cycles (like the hindbrain).

Question 30

Forebrain

Answer 30

This is the greatest influence on human behavior and is responsible for all higher thinking, memory, and emotional regulation. This is the last structure to finish developing.

Question 31

Brainstem

Answer 31

The first to develop and responsible for the most basic functions.

Question 32

Limbic System

Answer 32

Part of the forebrain and primarily associated with emotion and memory

Question 33

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 33

The outer covering of the cerebral hemispheres. It is divided into fields with specific functioning such as sight, hearing, smell, and sensation. Controls higher functioning such as speech, thinking, and memory.

Question 34

Pons

Answer 34

Part of the hindbrain and is right below the medulla. It contains sensory motor tracks between the cortex and medulla.

Question 35

Medulla

Answer 35

The long stem like structure that makes up the lower part of the brain stem. Responsible for regulating vital functions.

Question 36

Reticular Formation

Answer 36

Part of the hindbrain. Responsible for the 3 A's: Arousal, Alertness, Attention

Question 37

Super Colliculus

Answer 37

Receives visual sensory input

Question 38

Inferior Colliculus

Answer 38

Receives auditory sensory input