Deck 2: Section 1: Neuroscience and Behavior

Question 1

Describe the functions of glial cells, as well as the microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and Schwann cells.

Answer 1

The answer should include the following information: Glial cells are the most abundant cell type in the brain, outnumbering neurons by about 10 to Answer: Glial cells provide structural support for neurons throughout the nervous system. There are several different kinds of glial cells. First, microglia are the cells that remove waste products as well as dead or damaged neurons from the nervous system. Second, astrocytes provide connections between neurons and blood vessels and are also involved in brain development and the communication of information among neurons. Two other types of glial cells, oligodendrocytes in the brain and Schwann cells in the rest of the nervous system, form the myelin sheath, a white fatty covering that is wrapped around the axons of some, but not all, neurons.

Question 2

What are the three basic components of a neuron, and what function does each component perform?

Answer 2

The answer should include the following information: The three basic components of a neuron include the cell body, the dendrites, and the axon. The cell body, also called the soma, contains structures manufacture proteins and process nutrients, providing the energy the neuron needs to function. The soma also contains the nucleus of the cell, which in turn contains the neuron's genetic material-twisted strands of DNA called chromosomes. The dendrites receive messages from other neurons or specialized cells. Dendrites branch extensively producing a tree-like appearance. Some neurons have thousands of dendrites. Finally, the axon is a single elongated tube that extends from the cell body of most neurons. The axon may branch at the tip to form multiple terminals with other cells. Thus, axons convey information from the neuron to other cells such as neurons, glands, or muscles.

Question 3

Define and give an example of an agonist drug.

Answer 3

The answer should include the following information: An agonist is a drug or other chemical that is chemically similar to a specific neurotransmitter and binds to the receptor to produce the same effect. Nicotine is an example of an acetylcholine agonist that binds to the cholinergic receptor acting as a stimulant for skeletal muscles and causing the heart to beat more rapidly.

Question 4

Select two neurotransmitters and describe their influence on behavior.

Question 5

Explain with examples how a drug can act as an antagonist.

Question 6

Julian is 50 years old. He played football for over 20 years, starting in middle school. After college, he played semi-pro football until he injured his knee, which required multiple surgeries to repair. Over the course of his football career, Julian sustained repeated concussions. Julian's family has noticed that he has become increasingly anxious and depressed over the past few years. Although he was never impulsive before, Julian now gambles and goes on spending sprees-sometimes buying items that he will never use. He has difficulty remembering important dates, complains that he can't concentrate, and he becomes angry when distracted as he struggles to sustain his attention for more than a few minutes. According to the In Focus Box: Traumatic Brain Injury: From Concussions to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, what condition does Julian likely have? Will his doctor be able to diagnose the condition at his next physical? Why or why not?

Question 7

What are endorphins and what are their functions?

Question 8

What is biological psychology and why is this area of study important?

Question 9

Define and give an example of an antagonist drug.

Question 10

How does information transmission in the endocrine system differ from that in the nervous system?

Question 11

What is the refractory period, and what takes place during that period?

Question 12

Briefly describe the functions of the different subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system.

Question 13

What are spinal reflexes? Are they important?

Question 14

Compare and contrast the effects of agonist and antagonist drugs.

Question 15

What are the functions of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system?

Question 16

Explain how the hypothalamus, endocrine system, and nervous system are linked. How does the hypothalamus contribute to the functioning of the endocrine glands?

Question 17

Li is an avid runner. Despite her busy lifestyle, Li runs at least 50 miles a week, even in the winter months. When asked why running is such a high priority, Li explains that she loves experiencing a "runner's high." Explain what this concept means.

Question 18

How do sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons differ?

Question 19

What does it mean to say that a neuron is polarized?

Question 20

Describe the sequence of events that occurs when one neuron communicates with another neuron.

Question 21

Byron is left handed. His parents have told Byron that his handedness means he is right- hemisphere-dominant. Are Byron's parents correct?

Question 22

Describe the differences in male and female brains and discuss what conclusions can be drawn from research on gender differences and the brain.

Question 23

What is meant by the phrase lateralization of function?

Question 24

Distinguish between cortical localization and lateralization of function and give an example of each.

Question 25

Assume that you are going to learn a challenging new skill, such as juggling or a complicated video game. According to research presented in your textbook, how long does it take for learning to transfer into structural changes in the brain?

Question 26

What contributions did Pierre Paul Broca and Karl Wernicke make to the understanding of the brain?

Question 27

Describe phrenology and explain the contribution it has made to the understanding of the brain.

Question 28

Who was Roger Sperry and what contributions did he make to the understanding of the human brain?

Question 29

What is the primary motor cortex? What is the degree of representation on the primary motor cortex?

Question 30

What is the somatosensory cortex? How is it organized?

Question 31

Identify the four lobes of each cerebral hemisphere and summarize the function associated with each lobe.

Question 32

What are the key structures of the limbic system?

Question 33

Compare the effects on rats of being raised in an enriched versus an impoverished environment.

Question 34

What is the hypothalamus? What roles does it play?

Question 35

What are the key structures of the midbrain and what roles do they play?

Question 36

Explain the difference between structural plasticity and functional plasticity. Give an example of each.

Question 37

Describe the goals of the Human Connectome Project, the diffusion spectrum imaging technique, and the challenges faced by the Project.

Question 38

What are the key structures of the hindbrain and what roles do they play?