Unit 3, Aos 1, Dp 5 - Gut-Brain Axis

Question 1

Gastrointestinal Tract

Answer 1

the long flexible tube from mouth to anus that is the passageway involved in digestion.

Question 2

Gut microbiota

Answer 2

all of the microorganisms that live in the gut (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi).

Question 3

Gut microbiome

Answer 3

all of the genes of the microorganisms that live in the gut (enterotype).

Question 4

Gut-Brain Axis

Answer 4

the bidirectional connection between the gut and the brain through the enteric and central nervous systems

Question 5

Enteric Nervous System

Answer 5

refers to the network of nerves in the gut and is a subdivision of the
autonomic nervous system

Question 6

Central Nervous System

Answer 6

a major division of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord, which receives neural messages from and transmits neural messages to the peripheral nervous system.

Question 7

Vagus Nerve

Answer 7

the longest cranial nerve that connects the gut and the brain, enabling them to communicate.

Question 8

The gut-brain axis in psychological processes and behavior

Answer 8

• The gut can impact our psychological processes and behaviour
• The composition of gut microbiota can impact psychological processes and behaviour. Often, a diverse gut microbiota is associated with greater levels of overall health, therefore having more positive influences on psychological processes and behaviour

Question 9

Germ-free animal studies

Answer 9

compare certain behaviors and psychological processes in germ-free
animals with non-germ-free animals (often referred to as regular or conventional animals)