The Nervous System and Learning Flashcards
What is a neuron?
It is a nerve cell, the basic cellular unit of the nervous system.
What are the basic parts of a neuron?
A typical neuron consists of a soma (cell body), a single axon(occasionally, a neuron has more than one axon), and dendrites.
How many types of neurons are there and what are they?
There are 3 types of neurons: sensory neurons, interneurons, motor neurons.
What is the function of dendrites?
Dendrites receive information from other neurons.
What is the function of an axon?
An axon transmits information to additional neurons.
What is a synapse?
A synapse is a specialized junction through which neural signals are transmitted from one neuron to another.
What is the insulating layer around many axons called and what is its function?
It is called the myelin sheath, and it increases the speed of conduction of nerve impulses.
What is the formation of synapses between neurons called?
Synaptogenesis.
What is synaptic pruning?
It is a neurodevelopmental process in which synapses between neurons are eliminated, it usually happens between early childhood and the onset of puberty.
What is the plasticity of the brain?
It refers to the brain’s ability to adapt itself to different circumstances and experiences.
What is the gene?
It is the basic unit of heredity, responsible for storing genetic information and transmitting it to subsequent generations
What is the principal carrier of genetic information on the chromosome?
DNA.
What is myelination?
It is the formation and development of a myelin sheath around the axon of a neuron, which is effected by neuroglia.
What are the critical periods?
They are limited age ranges in which particular kinds of environmental stimulation are essential for normal neurological development.
What are the sensitive periods?
They are the certain age ranges during which environmental experiences have a greater impact on development.
What is a teratogen?
It is an external agent that induces developmental abnormalities in fetuses.
What does experience-expectant mean?
It means that experiences are critical for the development of certain skills that have been possessed by human beings.
What does experience-dependent mean?
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.
What is the most critical period for brain development?
The prenatal period. The adverse effects of poor nutrition and teratogens during this period appear to be irreversible.
If a woman drinks large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy, what will happen to her baby?
Her baby often develop fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition characterized by facial abnormalities, poor motor coordination, delayed language, and intellectual disabilities.
