Fundamental Structures and Functions of a Neuron
Fundamental Mechanisms Underlying Neuronal Communication
Major Classes of Methods Used to Study the Brain and Observable Behaviors
100

In what direction does information flow in a neuron?

From dendrites to the axon terminal

100

What is threshold potential?

This is usually indicative of the start of the action potential, at a voltage of approximately -50 mV.

100

What kind of study would be best for describing certain characteristics in a population?

A descriptive study

200

What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?

It collects electric signals from other cells

200

What are the two steps in Neurotransmitter Release that require Ca++?

Docking and Fusion



200

What is a descriptive study that performs an in-depth analysis of a single or a few individuals called?

A Case Study
300

Where in the neuron are peptide neurotransmitters synthesized?

The cell body of the neuron



300

What are Voltage-gated K+ channels?

Following the opening of Na+ channels, these allow for the exit of a certain positively charged ion out of the neuron.



300

What two aspects of a study’s results can measurement bias affect?

Reliability and validity of the study

400

What are the four functional zones of a neuron?

Input Zone, Integration Zone, Conduction Zone, Output Zone



400

What is temporal summation?

Successive positive stimuli not large enough to induce action potential, but preventing the system from returning to baseline

400

What are the two general approaches to studying the brain and behavior?

We can manipulate the brain and observe behavior or change the experience of the subject and observe the brain.

500

What are the three major tenets of the Neuron Doctrine?

Discrete cells (not continuous lattice); specialized and more stable functions relative 



500

What happens to synaptic vesicles after they have been filled with neurotransmitters?

They’re transported to the reserve, recycling, or readily releasable pool depending on need



500

Why is an experiment able to determine and cause and effect while a correlational study is not?     

An experiment involves the researcher manipulating a variable while a correlational study merely looks for relationships between 2 or more variables