The Nervous System and Learning Flashcards

1
Q

What is a neuron?

A

It is a nerve cell, the basic cellular unit of the nervous system.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the basic parts of a neuron?

A

A typical neuron consists of a soma (cell body), a single axon(occasionally, a neuron has more than one axon), and dendrites.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How many types of neurons are there and what are they?

A

There are 3 types of neurons: sensory neurons, interneurons, motor neurons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the function of dendrites?

A

Dendrites receive information from other neurons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the function of an axon?

A

An axon transmits information to additional neurons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is a synapse?

A

A synapse is a specialized junction through which neural signals are transmitted from one neuron to another.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the insulating layer around many axons called and what is its function?

A

It is called the myelin sheath, and it increases the speed of conduction of nerve impulses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the formation of synapses between neurons called?

A

Synaptogenesis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is synaptic pruning?

A

It is a neurodevelopmental process in which synapses between neurons are eliminated, it usually happens between early childhood and the onset of puberty.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the plasticity of the brain?

A

It refers to the brain’s ability to adapt itself to different circumstances and experiences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the gene?

A

It is the basic unit of heredity, responsible for storing genetic information and transmitting it to subsequent generations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the principal carrier of genetic information on the chromosome?

A

DNA.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is myelination?

A

It is the formation and development of a myelin sheath around the axon of a neuron, which is effected by neuroglia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the critical periods?

A

They are limited age ranges in which particular kinds of environmental stimulation are essential for normal neurological development.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the sensitive periods?

A

They are the certain age ranges during which environmental experiences have a greater impact on development.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is a teratogen?

A

It is an external agent that induces developmental abnormalities in fetuses.

17
Q

What does experience-expectant mean?

A

It means that experiences are critical for the development of certain skills that have been possessed by human beings.

18
Q

What does experience-dependent mean?

A

It means that domains and skills that are unique to particular cultures and groups only emerge when the environment nurtures them, and they can presumably be acquired at any age.

19
Q

What is the most critical period for brain development?

A

The prenatal period. The adverse effects of poor nutrition and teratogens during this period appear to be irreversible.

20
Q

If a woman drinks large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy, what will happen to her baby?

A

Her baby often develop fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition characterized by facial abnormalities, poor motor coordination, delayed language, and intellectual disabilities.