Brain
Name the four main lobes of the brain.
Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital
What does CNS stand for?
Central Nervous System
What is the basic function of a neuron?
To send and receive information (messages) in the nervous system
What is a neurotransmitter?
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse between neurons
What are the two main types of sleep?
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement)
Which lobe is responsible for vision?
Occipital
Name the two main branches of the peripheral nervous system.
Somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system
Name the three main types of neurons.
Sensory neurons, motor neurons, interneurons
Which neurotransmitter is linked to mood regulation and often associated with depression when levels are low?
Serotonin
During which stage of sleep do vivid dreams usually occur?
REM
What is the role of the cerebellum?
Balance and Coordination
What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?
Activates “fight or flight” response (increases heart rate, dilates pupils, slows digestion)
What is the role of the myelin sheath?
Insulates the axon and speeds up transmission of neural impulses
How does dopamine affect motivation and reward?
Increases motivation, pleasure, and reward-seeking behaviour
What is the role of NREM stage 3 (deep sleep)?
Physical restoration, growth, and memory consolidation (deepest stage of NREM sleep)
Explain one difference between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Left hemisphere is more language and logic-focused; right hemisphere is more spatial, creative, and holistic
Compare the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
Somatic = voluntary control of skeletal muscles; Autonomic = involuntary control of internal organs and glands
Explain how a message travels through the neuron
Dendrites, Cell Body, Nucleus, Axon, Myelin Sheeth, Axon Terminals, Terminal Buttons, Neurontransmitter
Explain the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, with one example of each.
Excitatory = increase likelihood of firing (e.g., glutamate); Inhibitory = decrease likelihood of firing (e.g., GABA)
Explain what a sleep cycle is and how long it typically lasts.
A cycle moves through NREM stages 1–3 then REM; one cycle lasts ~90 minutes
What would damage to the frontal lobe affect?
Impaired decision-making, personality changes, poor impulse control, difficulty planning
Describe how the parasympathetic nervous system helps restore homeostasis after a stress response
Slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, resumes digestion, relaxes the body (“rest and digest”)
How does synaptic transmission occur between two neurons, and what role do neurotransmitters play in this process?
When an action potential reaches the axon terminals, synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These chemicals cross the gap and bind to receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron, either exciting or inhibiting it. The neurotransmitters are then reabsorbed (reuptake), broken down, or drift away (diffusion), ending the signal.
Describe how drugs or alcohol can affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
Drugs can mimic, block, or alter neurotransmitter activity (e.g., alcohol enhances GABA → slowed responses; cocaine increases dopamine → overstimulation)
How does sleep contribute to memory consolidation and learning?
leep strengthens neural connections, consolidates new information, and helps transfer memories from short-term to long-term storage