Heredity & Environment
Explain how heredity & environment interact to influence human behavior
They interact by combining genetic predispositions with environmental experiences to shape behavior and mental processes.
Compare the SNS & PNS
The sympathetic system prepares the body for "fight or flight," while the parasympathetic system promotes "rest and digest."
Describe the roles of dendrites, axon, and myelin sheath.
Dendrites receive signals, the axon transmits impulses, and the myelin sheath insulates the axon for faster transmission.
Explain the role of the limbic system.
It regulates emotions, memory, and motivation, with structures like the amygdala and hippocampus playing key roles.
Explain the role of circadian rhythms.
Circadian rhythms regulate the sleep/wake cycle and influence various biological processes over a 24-hour cycle.
The Nature vs. Nurture debate
It explores the extent to which genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) contribute to development.
Provide an example of a response during stress.
Increased heart rate and rapid breathing as part of the fight-or-flight response.
How might damage to the myelin sheath affect behavior?
It could slow neural transmission, leading to impaired motor coordination and cognitive functions.
Describe neuroplasticity’s role in recovery.
Neuroplasticity allows the brain to reorganize itself and form new connections after injury, aiding recovery.
Describe the different sleep stages.
(Vague answer): Sleep stages include NREM (non-rapid eye movement) and REM (rapid eye movement), each contributing to specific restorative processes.
How twin studies can be used in nature vs nurture
Twin studies compare identical twins raised together versus apart to assess the influence of genetics versus environment on behavior.
Explain CNS vs. PNS in regulating actions.
CNS (central nervous system) processes information and PNS (peripheral nervous system) relays messages to the body.
Explain the process of neural transmission.
It involves the generation of an action potential, neurotransmitter release, and binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.
Discuss techniques used to study the brain.
Techniques like EEG, fMRI, and PET scans help researchers understand brain function by measuring activity and structure.
How does sleep affect memory consolidation?
Sleep helps organize and consolidate memories, enhancing retention and recall.
Epigenetics
Epigenetics reveals that environmental influences can alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.
How do CNS and PNS work together?
The CNS sends signals through the PNS to execute voluntary or involuntary actions.
What happens if sodium channels are blocked?
The neuron would not reach the threshold for firing an action potential, preventing signal transmission.
Which structure coordinates voluntary movement?
The cerebellum is primarily responsible for coordination and balance.
What happens with sleep deprivation?
It can lead to impaired attention, memory consolidation, increased irritability, and emotional instability.
How adoption studies differentiate between heredity and environment
By comparing adopted children’s behaviors to both biological and adoptive parents to assess genetic versus environmental influences.
Describe the interaction between somatic and autonomic systems.
The somatic system controls voluntary movements, while the autonomic system regulates involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion.
Choose a specific neurotransmitter and explain its role.
(EXAMPLE): Dopamine regulates mood, motivation, and reward; deficiencies can lead to disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Damage to which region affects memory?
Damage to the hippocampus is most likely to result in difficulties forming new memories.
During which sleep stage are dreams most likely?
REM sleep is when vivid dreams typically occur, characterized by brain activity similar to wakefulness.