Misc.
The natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours.
Circadian Rhythm
This stage of sleep is characterized by: brain waves slowing down, muscles relaxing, potential to experience Hypnagogic sensations, and easily awakened
NREM 1
A drug that binds to receptors and triggers the same response as neurotransmitters is called a/an
Agonist
The smallest difference between two stimuli that you can be detected by an individual
Just-Noticeable Difference (JND)
These photoreceptor cells detect color and fine detail.
Cones
__________ refers to your sense of smell.
(need the scientific name)
Olfaction
i'll take olfactory
EEG patterns show during this stage of sleep will show
Sleep spindles (short bursts of rapid brain activity) and K-complexes (sudden, sharp waveforms)
NREM 2
These drugs increase neural activity, alertness, and energy.
Stimulants
The minimum amount of stimulation needed to detect a stimulus 50% of the time.
Absolute Threshold
This small central area of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.
Fovea
This level of consciousness holds information and memories which are 'just below the surface' or can be brought to awareness fairly easily
Preconscious
A patient shows normal REM sleep but keeps waking up during NREM-3. Predict one consequence that we might expect on next-day functioning and explain why.
-physically tired- body did not get the repair time in NREM3
-issues with memory because NREM 3 is essential for memory consolidation
Name the category drugs like Morphine, Codeine, and Heroin fall into, and what effect that category of drugs has on people
Opioids!! act on opioid receptors in the brain and body, producing pain relief, euphoria, and sedation.
Describe what transduction is
The conversion of sensory stimuli into neural impulses that can be understood by the brain.
The Blindspot is an area where vision is absent. Explain why this exists
Blind Spot Area on the retina where the optic nerve exits the eye, lacking photoreceptor cells.
Sound begins with vibrating air molecules that travel in waves.
Wavelength frequency determines_________
and Wavelength Amplitude determines_____
-pitch
-loudness
During the REM sleep stage the brain produces Beta-like waves. Explain the significance of these waves for understanding REM sleep
beta waves are produced in the brain when you are awake, alert, and actively thinking. This suggests that your brain is highly active during REM
LCD, Psilocybin, and DMT have varying effects but they are all Hallucinogens. Describe how they affect neurotransmitters in the brain
They are agonists for serotonin receptors, meaning they bind to them and mimic/enhance serotonin effects, altering mood and perception
You live next to a bakery and it always smells like bread and cinnamon. Your friend comes over and is like yummmm smells so good, but you don't even notice it anymore.
What is this process called and explain what it means
Sensory Adaptation The process by which sensory receptors become less responsive to constant stimuli over time.
If you stare at a bright blue square for 30 seconds and then look at a white wall, you will likely see a yellow square. Explain the neural process behind this effect.
Afterimages. occur due to temporary overstimulation of cone cells in the retina. In this case, blue cones fatigue and it causes the opposing pair (yellow) cone signal to dominate
You spin in a circle and suddenly stop, but the room feels like it’s still spinning. Which sense is responsible and from where in the body is signaling taking place
Vestibular sense (controls balance)
Inner ear~ canals
One theory regarding the structure and function of dreams is the activation-synthesis theory. Describe what that theory puts forth
A theory proposing that dreams are the result of random neural activity during REM sleep, which is interpreted and synthesized by your brain into a narrative/story
Cocaine affects dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine via the same mechanism. Explain that mechanism and what effect it has on a person
mechanism: blocks reuptake
increased amount of neurotransmitters--> intense euphoria
Two people lift weights. One is lifting 10 lbs, the other 100 lbs. According to Weber’s law, who needs a larger change in weight to notice a difference and why?
The 100lbs because the perceived difference (or JND) in a stimulus must be proportional to the original intensity of the stimulus.
This vision impairment occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing the lens to focus light in front of the retina instead of on it.
What is this called (colloquial and scientific)
Nearsighted (Myopia)