Chapter 3

Question 1

Neurons

Answer 1

Cells in the nervous system that communicate with each other to preform information-processing tasks.

Question 2

Cell Body (Soma)

Answer 2

Part of the neuron that coordinates the information-processing tasks and keeps the cell alive.

Question 3

Dendrites

Answer 3

Parts of the neuron that receive information from other neurons and relay it to the cell body.

Question 4

Axon

Answer 4

Part of the neuron that carries information to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Question 5

Myelin Sheath

Answer 5

An insulating layer of fatty material that supports the cells found in the nervous system.

Question 6

Synapse

Answer 6

The junction or region between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another.

Question 7

Sensory Neurons

Answer 7

Receive information from the external world and convey this information to the internal the brain via the spinal cord.

Question 8

Motor Neurons

Answer 8

Carry Signals from the spinal cord to the muscles to produce movement.

Question 9

Interneurons

Answer 9

Connect sensory neurons, motor neurons, or other interneurons.

Question 10

Action Potential

Answer 10

An electric signal that is conducted along the length of a neuron’s axon or synapse.

Question 11

Terminal Buttons

Answer 11

Knoblike structure s at the end of an axon.

Question 12

Neurotransmitters

Answer 12

Chemicals that transmit information across the synapse to a receiving neuron’s dendrite.

Question 13

Recptors

Answer 13

Parts of the cell membrane that receive neurotransmitters and either initiate or prevent a new electric signal.

Question 14

Agonists

Answer 14

Drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter.

Question 15

Antagonist

Answer 15

Drugs that diminish the function of a neurotransmitter.

Question 16

Nervous System

Answer 16

An interacting network of neurons that conveys information throughout the body.

Question 17

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Answer 17

Composed of the brain and spinal Coard.

Question 18

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Answer 18

Connects the central nervous system to the body’s organs and muscles.

Question 19

Somatic Nervous System

Answer 19

A set of nerves that conveys information between voluntary muscles and the central nervous system.

Question 20

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Answer 20

A set of nerves that carries involuntary and automatic commands that control blood vessels, body organs, and glands.

Question 21

Sympathetic Nervous System

Answer 21

A set of nerves that prepare the body for action in challenging or threatening situations.

Question 22

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Answer 22

Helps the body return to a normal resting state.

Question 23

Hindbrain

Answer 23

An area of the brain that coordinates information coming into and out of the spinal cord.

Question 24

Medulla

Answer 24

An extension of the spinal cord into the skull that coordinates heart rate, circulation, and respiration.

Question 25

Cerebellum

Answer 25

A large structure of the hindbrain that controls fine motor skills.

Question 26

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 26

The outermost layer of the brain, visible to the naked eye, and divided into two hemispheres.

Question 27

Subcortical Structures

Answer 27

Areas of the forebrain housed under the cerebral cortex near the center of the brain.

Question 28

Thalamus

Answer 28

relays and filters information from the senses and transmits the information to the cerebral cortex.

Question 29

Hypothalamus

Answer 29

Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior.

Question 30

Hippocampus

Answer 30

Critical for creating new memories and integrating them into a network of knowledge so that they can be stored indefinitely in other parts of the cerebral cortex.

Question 31

Amygdala

Answer 31

Plays a central role in many emotional processes, particularly the formation of emotional memories.

Question 32

Endocrine System

Answer 32

A network of glands that produces secretes hormones, which influence a wide variety of basic functions, including metabolism, growth, and sexual development.

Question 33

Pituitary Gland

Answer 33

The "master gland" of the body's hormone-producing system, which releases hormones that direct the function of many other glands in the body.

Question 34

Pineal Gland

Answer 34

Secretes melatonin, influencing the sleep-wake cycle.

Question 35

Corpus Callosusm

Answer 35

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects large areas of the cerebral cortex on each side of the brain and supports communication of information across hemispheres.

Question 36

Occipital Lobe

Answer 36

Process visual information.

Question 37

Temporal Lobe

Answer 37

Responsible for hearing and language.

Question 38

Parietal Lobe

Answer 38

Processing information about touch.

Question 39

Frontal Lobe

Answer 39

Specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, and judgement.