Chapter 2

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

A type of cell that makes up the nervous system and supports cognitive function

Question 2

Cell Body

Answer 2

Part of the neuron containing the nucleus and other organelles

Question 3

Dendrites

Answer 3

Branching structures that carry information from other neurons

Question 4

Axon

Answer 4

A branching structure that carries information to other neurons and transmits an action potential

Question 5

Synapse

Answer 5

The small gap between neurons in which neurotransmitters are released, permitting signaling between neurons

Question 6

Action Potential

Answer 6

A rapid sequence of changes in the voltage across a neuron membrane in an axon. Forms the bases of how neurons code information.

Question 7

Neurotransmitters

Answer 7

Chemical signals that are released by one neuron and affect the properties of other neurons

Question 8

Myelin

Answer 8

A fatty substance forming an insulation layer around the axon that speeds electrical signal transmitions.

Question 9

Grey Matter

Answer 9

Matter consisting primarily of neuronal cell bodies (makes up the brain)

Question 10

White Matter

Answer 10

Tissue of the nervous system consisting primarily of axons and support cells

Question 11

Glia

Answer 11

Support cells of the nervous system involved in tissue repair and the formation of myelin

Question 12

Corpus Callosum

Answer 12

A large white matter tract that connects the two hemispheres

Question 13

Ventricles

Answer 13

The hollow chambers in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid

Question 14

Anterior

Answer 14

Towards the front of the body (i.e; chest)

Question 15

Posterior

Answer 15

Towards the back

Question 16

Superior

Answer 16

Towards the top of the body (i.e; brain)

Question 17

Inferior

Answer 17

Towards the bottom (feet)

Question 18

Dorsal

Answer 18

Spine: Towards the back
Brain: Towards the top

Question 19

Ventral

Answer 19

Body: Towards the front (Belly)
Brain: Towards the bottom

Question 20

Lateral

Answer 20

The outer part (cf. medial)

Question 21

Medial

Answer 21

In or towards the middle

Question 22

Gyri

Answer 22

The raised folds of the cortex

Question 23

Sulci

Answer 23

The buried grooves of the cortex

Question 24

Brodmann’s areas

Answer 24

The division of the cerebral cortex into 52 regions based on the structure of brain cells (cytoarchitecture)

Question 25

Basal Ganglia

Answer 25

Regions of subcortical gray matter involved in aspects of motor control, skill learning and reward learning. They consist of structures such as caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus

Question 26

Limbic System

Answer 26

A region of subcortex involved in relating the organism to its present and past environment. This includes the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate cortex and mamillary bodies

Question 27

Thalamus

Answer 27

A major subcortical relay center. It is a processing station between all sensory organs (except smell) and the cortex

Question 28

Hypothalamus

Answer 28

Located deep within the brain (below thalamus), connecting the endocrine and nervous system. It produces hormones that control body temperature, heart rate, mood, etc...

Question 29

Superior Colliculi

Answer 29

A midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical sensory pathway involved in programming fast eye movement

Question 30

Inferior Colliculi

Answer 30

A midbrain nucleus that forms part of a subcortical auditory pathway

Question 31

Cerebellum

Answer 31

Structure attached to the hindbrain. Important for dexterity and smooth execution of movement

Question 32

Pons

Answer 32

Part of the hindbrain. A key link between the cerebellum and the cerebrum

Question 33

Medulla Oblongata

Answer 33

Part of the hindbrain. It regulates vital functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate and the wake-sleep cycle