Chapter 11

Question 1

What is a neuron?

Answer 1

Specialized nerve cell that is the functional unit of the nervous system allowing for an organism to receive and respond to internal and external stimuli

Question 2

What are the steps involved during synaptic transmission using a neurotransmitter?

Answer 2

• Impulse reaches the synapse from the axon
• Impulse stimulates synaptic vesicles to move to the presynaptic membrane
• Synaptic vesicles dump neurotransmitter substances into the synaptic cleft
• Neurotransmitter substance diffuses across the cleft
• Neurotransmitter substance fits into receptor sites on postsynaptic membranes
• An enzyme cleaves the neurotransmitter substance and clears out the synaptic cleft
• An action potential is stimulated at the postsynaptic membrane and impulse travels down dendrite

Question 3

What hormones are involved in a short-term stress response?

Answer 3

• Epinephrine
• Norepinephrine

Question 4

What is the function of epinephrine during a short-term stress response?

Answer 4

• Glycogen breakdown into glucose
• Increases blood sugar level and results in a sudden burst of energy
• Increases heart rate and respiratory rate
• Increases cell metabolism
• Vasodilation increases blood supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues
• Retinal dilation enhances visual perception

Question 5

What are the effects of norepinephrine?

Answer 5

• Has the same effects as epinephrine
• Increases blood pressure
• Affects the amygdala – an attention centre in the brain

Question 6

What glands produce epinephrine and norepinephrine?

Answer 6

Adrenal medulla

Question 7

What organs are involved in a short-term stress response?

Answer 7

• Heart
• Lungs
• Liver
• Muscles

Question 8

What types of responses occur during a short-term stress response?

Answer 8

• Involuntary (hormonal and physiological)
• Voluntary (behavioral; flight-or-fight decisions like running away from danger)

Question 9

What are the effects of a short-term stress response?

Answer 9

• Energy mobilization
• Oxygen delivery
• Heightened awareness
• Suppressed digestion for short-term survival

Question 10

What is adrenaline rush?

Answer 10

The quick release of adrenaline into your bloodstream preparing your body for a ‘fight or flight’ response

Question 11

True or False: Adrenaline (epinephrine) is produced by the adrenal medulla.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Adrenaline (epinephrine) helps prepare the body for _______.

Answer 12

[fight or flight]