PYSC 260 Module 3

Question 1

What is the CNS

Answer 1

The portion of the NS that includes the brain and spinal cord

Question 2

What is the PNS

Answer 2

Consists of the nerves that branch out from the brain and the spinal cord and extend to areas of the body including muscles, tissues, and organs. It connects the CNS to the rest of the body and carries information to the CNS.

Question 3

Somatic Nervous System

Answer 3

Part of the PNS that includes the cranial and spinal nerves to and from the muscles, joints, and skin, which produce movement, transmit incoming information, and in doing so informs the CNS about the position and movement of the bodies parts.

Question 4

Autonomic Nervous System

Answer 4

Part of the PNS, regulates the function of internal organs and glands.

Question 5

Sympathetic Nervous System:

Answer 5

Part of the ANS that is activated during states of arousal that required that expenditure of energy such as the flight or fright response, stress response, running or final exam period.

Question 6

Parasympathetic Nervous System:

Answer 6

Part of the ANS that is activated during states of rest, relaxation, and restoration. Important for the replenishment of energy. It opposes the effects of the SNS.

Question 7

Cerebral Cortex:

Answer 7

the outer surface of the forebrain, heavily folded and layered tissues that make up the outer surface of the forebrain.

Question 8

Frontal Lobe:

Answer 8

The most anterior portion of the cerebral cortex performs the brain’s executive functions such as planning, decision making, problem-solving, moral reasoning, judgement, and impulse control. It also regulates voluntary movements as it contains the primary motor cortex.

Question 9

Temporal Lobe:

Answer 9

contains the auditory cortex and important for auditory processing including hearing, language, and musical abilities.

Question 10

Occipital Lobe:

Answer 10

The most posterior part of the cerebral cortex where visual scene processing begins.

Question 11

Parietal Lobe:

Answer 11

important for bodily awareness as it contains the primary somatosensory cortex where information from the joints, muscles, and skin are presented. Mapping of the body parts is represented topographically. A discreet area of the cortex is devoted to the processing of input from the specific parts of the body. It also contributes to spital awareness and the capacity to navigate in your surroundings. Allows an exploration and interaction with your external surroundings.

Question 12

Hindbrain:

Answer 12

The oldest part of the brain according to evolution. It contains the medulla, pons, cerebellum, and reticular formation. These are structures that are important for voluntary and involuntary movements.

Question 13

Midbrain:

Answer 13

Central part of the brain that is nested within the forebrain. It contains neural circuits for hearing and seeing as well as for orienting movements.

Question 14

Forebrain:

Answer 14

Evolutionalrly the newest part of the brain; coordinates and advanced cognitive functions such as thinking, planning, and language.

Question 15

Neuroplasticity:

Answer 15

The ability of the brain to form and reorganize connections, especially in response to learning or experience or following injury.

Question 16

The Neuron: What is it? What does it do?

Answer 16

major functional unit of the nervous system, involved in the transition of information. The information is relayed in the entire nervous system through electrochemical messages. Within the neuron, a signal takes the form of an electrical message, i.e., a nerve impulse however, in better neurons the message is conveyed as a chemical or neurotransmitter.

Question 17

Parts of the Neuron:

Answer 17

Axon: Major fibre emanating from the neuron cell body, its function is to carry the nerve impulse away from the cell body and towards the synapse

Cell body (soma): Contains the genetic material that ensures the survival and function of the neuron. It intergrades incoming impulses (both excitatory and inhibitory) from other neurons.

Dendrites: Branching extensions emanating from the cell body that receive incoming input and move those signals towards the cell body

Myelin Sheath: Fatty cell layer that allows the signal to jump across and faster transmission

Synapse: A junction between the presynaptic terminal button of one of the neurons and the dendrite, axon, or soma of another neuron.

Glial Cells: Approxinamently 100 billion in the N.S. Carry out support functions such as building myelin removing debris, structural support for neurons, and guiding cells to their final destination during embryological development. Glia is Greek for “glue”, highlighting their importance in the support of neurons to carry out their functions.

Question 18

Neurons at Rest:

Answer 18

Resting Potential: The electrical potential of a cell membrane when it is not responding to other neurons = 70mv

Question 19

Polarization

Answer 19

Poirtization: Ready for a neuron for firing by creating an internal negative charge

Question 20

Threshold of excitement

Answer 20

The Threshold of Excitement: Level of electrical distribution required to trigger an action potential in the receiving neuron
15mv reduction in the charge inside a membrane
The threshold of excitation is -55mv

Question 21

Action Potential

Answer 21

Action Potential: A transient electrical current that is conducted along the axon when the membrane potential reaches the threshold excitement
Occurs according to the all or non-principle

Question 22

Acetylcholine

Answer 22

Acetylcholine: Responsible for motor control of muscles, contributes to arousal, attention, and memory, in both PNS and CNS

Question 23

Dopamine

Answer 23

Dopamine: Involved in reward, pleasure, and motivation (CNS), important for control of voluntary muscles (PNS)

Question 24

Norepinephrine

Answer 24

Norepinephrine (NE): Involved in states of arousal, alertness, and contributes to the mood. Cocaine and amphetamines increase activated of NE synapse

Question 25

Serotonin

Answer 25

Serotonin: Involved in the regulation of sleep-wakefulness, aggression, eating, and mood.

Question 26

GABA

Answer 26

Gaba: inhibition of action potentials, reduction of anxiety

Is inhibitory.

Question 27

Endorphins

Answer 27

Endorphins: Endogenous chemicals, natural reduction of pain signals, mood-enhancements. (pain killer).

Question 28

Three Types of Neuro imaging:

Answer 28

PET: measures functions by examining changes in blood flow and metabolism
Functional Magnetic Resense Imaging: captures brain activity by measuring changes in O2 levels in the blood.
ECG: measures electrical activity of the brain through electrodes attached to the scalp, tracks and records wave patterns

Question 29

Types of Studies:

Answer 29

Twin studies
Adoption studies
Heritability