Chapter 2: Biological Basis of Behavior

Question 1

Neurons

Answer 1

Individual cells that are the smallest unit of the nervous system.

Question 2

Dendrites

Answer 2

Short fibers that branch out from the cell body and pick up incoming messages.

Question 3

Axon

Answer 3

Single long fiber extending from the cell body; it carries outgoing messages.

Question 4

Nerve (Or Tract)

Answer 4

Group of Axons bundled together.

Question 5

Myelin Sheath

Answer 5

White, fatty covering found on some axons.

Question 6

Neurotransimitters

Answer 6

Chemicals released by the synaptic vesicles that travel across the synaptic space and affect adjacent neurons.

Question 7

Acetycholine (ACh)

Answer 7

arousal, attention, memory, and motivation.

Question 8

Dopamine

Answer 8

Voluntary movement, learning, memory, and emotions.

Question 9

Serotonin

Answer 9

“Mood Molecule”

Question 10

Glutamate

Answer 10

Speeds up synaptic transmission through the central nervous system.

Question 11

Sympathetic Nervous System

Answer 11

Part of autonomic nervous system, engages when individual is threatened. Blood and heart rate increase, adrenaline; digestive system shuts down.

Question 12

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Answer 12

Maintain homeostasis to calm and bring balance to the body.

Question 13

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 13

The outer surface of the two cerebral hemispheres that regulates most complex behavior.

Question 14

Prefrontal Cortex

Answer 14

Involved in goal-directed behavior, impulse control, judgment and awareness.

Question 15

Frontal Lobe

Answer 15

Involved in complex problem-solving tasks.

Question 16

Primary Motor Cortex

Answer 16

Key role in voluntary movement

Question 17

Central Fissure

Answer 17

Separates the primary somatosensory cortex from the primary motor cortex.

Question 18

Primary Somatosensory Cortex

Answer 18

Registers sensory messages from the entire body.

Question 19

Parietal Lobe

Answer 19

Receives all sensory receptor information, also involved with spatial abilities.

Question 20

Temporal Lobe

Answer 20

Complex Visual Tasks, balance, regulating emotions, strong role in understanding language

Question 21

Occipital Lobe

Answer 21

Receives and processes visual information.

Question 22

Left Hemisphere

Answer 22

controls writing and movement of the right side of the body. Usually dominant in language and tasks involving symbolic reasoning.

Question 23

Right Hemisphere

Answer 23

controls touch and movement of the left side of the body and is typically superior at nonverbal, visual, and spatial tasks.

Question 24

Cerebellum

Answer 24

Helps coordinate voluntary muscle movement, maintaining balance.

Question 25

Medulla

Answer 25

Basic regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing

Question 26

Pons

Answer 26

Link between hindbrain and midbrain, helps control breathing

Question 27

Limbic System

Answer 27

Associated with emotions and specific drives

Question 28

Amygdala

Answer 28

emotional memories

Question 29

Hippocampus

Answer 29

Cognitive processes and spacial orientations, learning, and new memories.

Question 30

Hypothalamus

Answer 30

regulates eating, drinking, and body temp. Governs endocrine system.