Neural Transmission
What does the all-or-nothing response mean?
A neuron either fires or does not fire, there is no intermediate state
What are the two main components of the nervous system?
Central NS & Peripheral NS
What is the difference between GABA and glutamate?
GABA = inhibitory neurotransmitter
Glutamate = excitatory neurotransmitter
Name all 4 lobes of the brain.
frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal
What is the difference between a stimulant and a depressant?
A stimulant increases brain activity and alertness, while a depressant decreases brain activity and slows down bodily functions.
What part of the neuron releases neurotransmitters to another neuron?
axon terminal
Fill in the blank:
_______ neurons carry information to the brain, _______ neurons carry information from the brain to the body, and ________ carry information between neurons.
sensory (afferent), motor (efferent), interneurons
Name 3 neurotransmitters and give the predominant effect of each one.
multiple answers
A student learns about a part of the brain that controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate, which operates autonomously without conscious effort. What part of the brain is this?
brainstem
A researcher finds that regular physical exercise increases the production of new neurons in the hippocampus. What processes best described in this scenario?
neurogenesis
What are the three major parts of a neuron? Describe the function of each part
Dendrites: Receives messages
Soma (cell body): life-support center
Axons: transmits messages
A patient is experiencing rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, and increased sweating in response to an impending exam. Which branch of the nervous system is primarily responsible for these physiological changes, and what is its role?
sympathetic nervous system, and it prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses
What two neurotransmitters are especially important in the body's fight or flight response?
norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline)
A person experiences a sudden loss of coordination and balance after a fall, suggesting a problem with the part of the brain that regulates movement and posture. What part of the brain may be compromised?
Cerebellum
In a neuropsychological workshop, an artist describes a beach scene shown to her right visual field but struggles to articulate a geometric shape seen in her left visual field, illustrating this phenomenon where each hemisphere specializes in different cognitive functions. What is this phenomenon called?
Brain lateralization
What is the synaptic gap and what occurs there during neural transmission?
The space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another where neurotransmitters are released
On the board, draw a diagram including each branch of the NS broken down.
See board
Cocaine is known to block the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in prolonged stimulation of the dopamine receptors. How would you classify the action of cocaine in this context?
Agonist
An elderly man has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. What part of his brain is most likely damaged?
hippocampus
A man got into a car crash and damaged part of his temporal lobe. What are 2 issues may he face as a result of this?
hearing loss, memory impairments (verbal/visual), irritability/mood swings, language problems
Explain the process of neural transmission, specifically one neuron to another neuron.
You must include the following terms: axon, axon terminal, soma, dendrite, synaptic gap, action potential, threshold, neurotransmitters, stimulus
Neural transmission starts when a stimulus activates a neuron, causing its dendrites to receive input. If the signal reaches the threshold, an action potential is generated in the soma and travels down the axon to the axon terminal. There, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic gap, binding to receptors on the next neuron's dendrites, potentially triggering a new action potential.
A neuroscientist is conducting research on the voluntary control of muscles, focusing on the pathways that connect the brain to ______ muscles. Which branch of the nervous system is being studied, and what is its primary function (must include the muscle type)?
somatic nervous system, and it controls voluntary movements by transmitting signals to skeletal muscles
A researcher is studying the role of a neurotransmitter that is primarily involved in mood regulation, appetite control, and the modulation of pain, with its dysfunction linked to conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. What is this neurotransmitter, and what medication can assist with this?
Serotonin, SSRIs
A neuroscientist is studying the role of neurotransmitters in regulating emotions and behavior, focusing on a part of the nervous system that connects the brain to the endocrine system (hormones).
hypothalamus
The brain structure that is severed during a split-brain procedure is the corpus callosum. This thick band of nerve fibers connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between them