Unit 3 (Module 9) Flashcards
What concept drives the idea that various brain regions have particular functions?
Module 9
localization of function
A system that is composed of subsystems that in turn are composed of even smaller subsystems defines what term?
Module 9
biopsychological systems
Yes or No:
Could you distinguish between small samples of brain tissue which is human and which is monkey?
Module 9
No
Systems operate very similarly.
Fill in the blank for the following:
Similarity (between animals & humans) allows researchers to ____________ relatively simple animals to understand neural systems.
Module 9
study
Our body’s neural information system is made up of what building blocks?
Module 9
neurons (nerve cells)
True or False:
Throughout life, new neurons are born and unused neurons wither away.
Module 9
True
What part of the neuron contains the nucleus (the cell’s life-support center)?
Module 9
[the] cell body
What part of the neuron is made up of branching fibers that receive and integrate information towards the cell body?
Module 9
dendrites
What defines the following?:
The neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands?
Module 9
axon
The layer of fatty tissue that insulates axons and speed up their impulses is called a what?
Module 9
myelin sheath
What condition occurs when the myelin sheath degenerates?
Module 9
multiple sclerosis
What cells are in the nervous system that provide nutrients, insulation for myelin, guidance for neural connections and mop up ions and neurotransmitters (along with play a role in learning thinking and memory)?
Module 9
glial cells (glia)
What word labels the following?:
A neural impulse that travels at speeds ranging from a sluggish 2mph to more than 200mph
Module 9
action potential
Like batteries, neurons generate electricity from chemical events. During the neuron’s chemistry-to-electricity process, what are exchanged?
Module 9
Ions
Fill in the blank:
The fluid outside an axon’s membrane has mostly positively charged ____________ ions.
Module 9
sodium
Fill in the blank:
A resting axon’s fluid interior has mostly a ____________ charge.
Module 9
negative
During an axon’s resting phase the fluid interior is made up of mostly large negative charged protein ions and smaller, positively charged what?
Module 9
potassium ions
The axon’s surface is compared to a tightly guarded facility. We say in scientific terms the axon’s surface is what?
Module 9
selectively permable
Fill in the blank for the following:
A positive outside and negative inside state in a neuron is called the ____________.
Module 9
resting potential
When a neuron fires, the security measures change, the first section in the axon opens its gates and what floods to the inside?
Module 9
sodium ions
The loss of the inside/outside charge difference that causes the next section of axon channels to open (like dominoes) allowing potassium ions to flow out is called a what?
Module 9
depolarization
Fill in the blank for the following:
Most neural signals are ____________, somewhat like pushing a neuron’s gas pedal while some are ____________, more like the neuron’s pushing its brake. (2)
(2) = 2 answers/parts
Module 9
- Excitatory
- Inhibitory
What can be defined as the level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impluse?
Module 9
threshold
When the excitatory signals exceed the inhibitory signals by a minimun intensity (threshold), the combined signals trigger a what?
Module 9
[an] action potential
