Chapter 3 - Biological Processes

Question 1

Neurons & 3 types

Answer 1

The cells in the nervous system that receive and transmit information
3 types:
Sensory neurons
Interneurons
Motor neurons

Question 2

Interneurons

Answer 2

Cells that transfer information from one neurons to another

Question 3

Sensory neurons

Answer 3

Cells that carry environmental messages toward the spinal cord and brain

Question 4

Motor neurons

Answer 4

Cells that carry information away from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands that directly produce behavior

Question 5

Glial cells

Answer 5

Cells that fill the space between neurons, remove waste, or help neurons to communicate efficiently

Question 6

Dendrites

Answer 6

The fibers that extend outward from a neuron and receive information from other neurons

Question 7

Soma

Answer 7

The cell body of a neuron

Question 8

Axon

Answer 8

The long tail-like part of a neuron that serves as the cell’s transmitter

Question 9

Terminal buttons

Answer 9

The tiny swellings at the end of the axon that contain chemicals important to neural transmission

Question 10

Synapse

Answer 10

The small gap between the terminal buttons of a neuron and the dendrite or cell body of another neuron

Question 11

Autonomic system

Answer 11

The collection of nerves that controls the more automatic needs of the body (heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, etc)
Part of the peripheral nervous system

Question 12

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

Answer 12

A device used to monitor the gross electrical activity of the brain

Question 13

Computerized tomography scan (CT scan)

Answer 13

The use of highly focused bed of X-rays to construct detailed anatomical maps of the living brain
For tumors or brain injuries - structure

Question 14

Positron emission tomography (PET scan)

Answer 14

A method for measuring how radioactive substances are absorbed in the brain
It can be used to detect how specific tasks activate different areas of the living brain

Question 15

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer 15

A device that uses magnetic fields and radio-wave pulses to construct detailed, three-dimensional images of the brain
Serves as diagnostic tool for brain abnormalities, such as tumors.

Question 16

Neuroscience

Answer 16

A field of study directed at understanding the brain and how it relates to behavior

Question 17

Resting potential

Answer 17

The tiny electrical charge in place between the inside and the outside of the resting neuron

Question 18

Action potential

Answer 18

The all-or-none electrical signal that travels down a neuron’s axon

Question 19

Neurotransmitters

Answer 19

Chemical messengers that really information from one neuron to the next

Question 20

Glutamate

Answer 20

The most common neurotransmitter in the brain;

Usually an excitatory neurotransmitter and is involved in many aspects of brain functioning including memory

Question 21

Acetylcholine

Answer 21

A neurotransmitter that plays multiple roles in the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the excitation of muscle contractions

Question 22

Dopamine

Answer 22

A neurotransmitter that had been linked to reward and pleasure systems in the brain;
Decreased levels have been linked to Parkinson’s disease, and increased levels have been linked to schizophrenia.

Question 23

Serotonin

Answer 23

A neurotransmitter that has been linked o sleep, dreaming, and general arousal and may also be involved job some psychological disorders such as depression and schizophrenia

Question 24

Gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA)

Answer 24

A neurotransmitter that may play a role in the regulation of anxiety; it generally produces inhibitory effects.

Question 25

Endorphins

Answer 25

Morph like chemicals that act as the brain’s natural painkillers

Question 26

Refractory period

Answer 26

The period of time following an action potential when more action potentials cannot be generated.

Question 27

Central nervous system

Answer 27

The brain and the spinal chord

Question 28

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 28

The network of nerves that links the central nervous system with the rest of the body

Question 29

Nerves

Answer 29

Bundles of axons that make up neural transmission cables

Question 30

Somatic system

Answer 30

The collection of nerves that transmits information toward the brain and connects to the skeletal muscles to initiate movement; part f the peripheral nervous system

Question 31

Autonomic system

Answer 31

The collection of nerves that controls the more automatic needs of the body (such as heart rate, digestion, blood pressure); part of the peripheral nervous system.