Chapter 1

Question 1

What is the largest part of the brain?

Answer 1

The cerebrum

Question 2

What connects the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum?

Answer 2

The corpus callosum

Question 3

What is the outer layer of the cerebrum called?

Answer 3

The cerebral cortex

Question 4

What functions are managed by the frontal lobes?

Answer 4

• Voluntary movement
• Speech
• Problem-solving
• Aspects of personality

Question 5

Which lobes process sensory information and taste?

Answer 5

The parietal lobes

Question 6

What is the primary function of the occipital lobes?

Answer 6

Visual processing

Question 7

Which lobes are responsible for processing auditory information?

Answer 7

The temporal lobes

Question 8

What role does the hippocampus play in memory?

Answer 8

Encodes new memories

Question 9

What does the amygdala integrate?

Answer 9

Emotions and memories

Question 10

What regulates emotions and motivation in the brain?

Answer 10

The limbic system

Question 11

What structures manage sensory input and hormonal signals?

Answer 11

• Thalamus
• Hypothalamus

Question 12

What is the role of the midbrain?

Answer 12

Coordinates eye movements and reflexes

Question 13

What does the hindbrain include?

Answer 13

• Cerebellum
• Brainstem

Question 14

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Answer 14

Aids movement and learning

Question 15

What basic functions does the brainstem control?

Answer 15

• Breathing
• Heart rate

Question 16

How did early vertebrate brains evolve?

Answer 16

Expanded over time leading to advanced sensory processing and motor control

Question 17

What significant development occurred in mammal brains?

Answer 17

Development of cerebral hemispheres for sophisticated functions

Question 18

How do neurons communicate between brain regions?

Answer 18

Through nerve tracts

Question 19

What brain waves are associated with relaxation?

Answer 19

Alpha waves (8–13 Hz)

Question 20

What brain waves occur during concentration?

Answer 20

Beta waves (14–30 Hz)

Question 21

What brain waves are common in sleep?

Answer 21

Theta waves (4–7 Hz)

Question 22

What are deep sleep waves called?

Answer 22

Delta waves (<3.5 Hz)

Question 23

What do spinal tracts do?

Answer 23

Move sensory signals to the brain and motor commands to muscles

Question 24

What regulates movement precision in the brain?

Answer 24

Feedback loops like the basal ganglia

Question 25

What links memory to sensory processing?

Answer 25

The hippocampus

Question 26

What triggers automatic responses before conscious thought?

Answer 26

Reflex loops

Question 27

What do columns in the cerebral cortex specialize in?

Answer 27

Certain tasks, like recognizing a face

Question 28

What types of neurons stimulate activity?

Answer 28

Excitatory neurons

Question 29

What do inhibitory neurons do?

Answer 29

Regulate circuits and prevent overstimulation

Question 30

What condition can result from imbalances in excitatory/inhibitory activity?

Answer 30

Epilepsy

Question 31

What are the main components of a neuron?

Answer 31

* Cell body * Dendrites * Axon

Question 32

What is the role of glial cells?

Answer 32

* Support neurons * Regulate ion concentrations * Protect against infections * Produce myelin for efficient signal transmission

Question 33

What do ion channels regulate?

Answer 33

Movement of charged atoms (ions)

Question 34

What is the resting voltage of a neuron?

Answer 34

-70 mV

Question 35

What happens when the threshold voltage is reached in a neuron?

Answer 35

Ion channels rapidly open, triggering an action potential

Question 36

What occurs at synapses?

Answer 36

Neurons communicate where the axon terminal of one neuron meets the dendrites of another

Question 37

What causes neurotransmitter vesicles to release their contents?

Answer 37

Calcium ions entering the axon terminal

Question 38

What do excitatory neurotransmitters do?

Answer 38

Depolarize the neuron, increasing its likelihood of firing

Question 39

What is the function of inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Answer 39

Hyperpolarize the neuron, making it less likely to fire

Question 40

What are ionotropic receptors?

Answer 40

Receptors that allow direct ion movement upon neurotransmitter binding

Question 41

What do metabotropic receptors trigger?

Answer 41

Indirect biochemical reactions to influence neuron activity

Question 42

What role does glutamate play in the brain?

Answer 42

Crucial for learning and memory

Question 43

What is the significance of the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling?

Answer 43

Essential for normal brain function

Question 44

What do hormones do in relation to neuronal activity?

Answer 44

Send signals from distant tissues

Question 45

What is the role of neuromodulators?

Answer 45

Suppress neurotransmitter release

Question 46

What can prostaglandins increase?

Answer 46

Pain sensitivity and inflammation response

Question 47

What happens when a molecule binds to a surface receptor?

Answer 47

Triggers intracellular chemical reactions that modify neuron behavior

Question 48

How do steroid hormones affect gene expression?

Answer 48

Bind to intracellular receptors and enter the nucleus

Question 49

What regulates gene expression in neurons?

Answer 49

Chromatin modifications

Question 50

What can changes in chromatin structure allow neurons to do?

Answer 50

Adjust their activity in response to hormonal signals and environmental changes

Question 51

How can genetic variability affect brain function?

Answer 51

Influences neuron structure and function

Question 52

What disease results from a genetic mutation that impairs fat metabolism in neurons?

Answer 52

Tay-Sachs disease

Question 53

What advances are helping uncover the genetic basis of brain disorders?

Answer 53

Advances in genomic sequencing