Nervous System, Neurons, and Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

this nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord

Answer 1

central nervous system (CNS)

Question 2

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

this nervous system transmits signals between the CNS and the rest of the body

Answer 2

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 3

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

this nervous system is responsible for voluntary actions and transmits information to the CNS and skeletal muscles

Answer 3

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Question 4

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

this nervous system acts largely unconsciously, is responsible for involuntary actions, and transmits information from the body’s smooth muscles and organs to & from the CNS

Answer 4

autonomic

Question 5

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is divided into these 2 nervous systems

Answer 5

sympathetic & parasympathetic

Question 6

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

during the body’s fight-flight response, this nervous system causes the following:

• pupil dilation
• sweating
• increased heart & respiration rates
• inhibits digestion & sexual activity

Answer 6

sympathetic

Question 7

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

During a stress response, this nervous system is responsible for the following:
* rest & relaxation
* returning the body to it’s pre-emergency state

Answer 7

parasympathetic

Question 8

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

Regarding male sexual response, the parasympathetic nervous system is necessary for (erection/ejaculation) and the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for (erection/ejaculation)

Answer 8

erection; ejaculation

Question 9

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

this nervous system contains two types of cells: neurons & glia

Answer 9

central

Question 10

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

this type of cell is responsible for communicating information within the nervous system

Answer 10

neurons

Question 11

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

this type of cell serves several functions, including providing neurons with:
* structural support
* insulation
* nutrients

Answer 11

glia

Question 12

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

a term referring to an electrochemical process that begins when a neuron’s dendrites receive sufficient stimulation from other neurons

Answer 12

conduction

Question 13

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

the state of a neuron when the fluid inside the cell is negatively charged relative to the fluid outside the cell

Answer 13

resting (state)

Question 14

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

describe the process that occurs when a neuron is sufficiently stimulated

Answer 14

• channels in the cell membrane open
• allowing positively charged sodium ions to enter the cell
• the neuron becomes depolarized (less negative)

Question 15

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

the process when a neuron reaches the minimum threshold of stimulation

Answer 15

action potential (when complete depolarization triggers an electrical impulse)

Question 16

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

term used to describe a chemical transmission that begins when an action potential reaches the axon terminal

Answer 16

synaptic transmission

Question 17

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

synaptic transmission causes the release of a this into the synapse

Answer 17

a neurotransmitter

Question 18

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

term(s) for the effect on a neuron increasing and decreasing the likelihood that an action potential will occur

Answer 18

excitatory & inhibitory

Question 19

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

describe how neurotransmitters are inactivated

Answer 19

• being absorbed by the presynaptic neuron
• being broken down by an enzyme

Question 20

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

the following are 4 types of this nervous system function

1) homologous area adaptation
2) cross-modal reassignment
3) map expansion
4) compensatory masquerade

Answer 20

neuroplasticity

Question 21

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

during this process a particular area of the brain responds to early damage by shifting the functions of the damaged area to the corresponding area in the opposite hemisphere

Answer 21

homologous area adaption plasticity

Question 22

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

name a drawback of homologous area adaptation plasticity

Answer 22

pre-existing functions of the corresponding area may be negative affected

Question 23

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

the process by which a brain area that is responsible for processing a particular type of sensory input is deprived of that input, as a result, the function of the neurons in that area changes (i.e., are reassigned)

ex: someone who is blind

Answer 23

cross-modal reassignment plasticity

Question 24

Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters

term used to describe the temporary or permanent enlargement of a functioning cortical region as a result of practice or exercise

ex. when a musician who practices a specific instrument regularly, sees an enlargement of the brain area dedicated to controlling the fingers used to play that instrument

Answer 24

map expansion plasticity

Question 25

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** map expansion plasticity involves this **neuronal process**

Answer 25

recruiting neurons from the borders of that region

Question 26

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** during this **process** the brain figures out an alternative strategy for carrying out a task when the initial strategy cannot be followed due to damage or impairment to an area responsible for that task ## Footnote **ex. using landmarks to navigate when sense of direction is damaged**

Answer 26

**compensatory masquerade** plasticity

Question 27

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** the **neuronal area** that small-molecule neurotransmitters are synthesized and stored in

Answer 27

axon terminal

Question 28

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** these **hormones** are synthesized in the cell body and transmitted to the axon terminal

Answer 28

neuropeptides

Question 29

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** name 2 **neuropeptides** that are endogenous opioids with analgesic and euphoric effects

Answer 29

enkephalin and endorphin

Question 30

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this **neurotransmitter** is both excitatory and inhibitory and contributes to movement, motivation, and reward

Answer 30

dopamine

Question 31

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** dopamine is released in this **area of the brain**

Answer 31

mesolimbic pathway

Question 32

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** Parkinson's disease has been linked to low levels of dopamine in this **area of the brain**

Answer 32

substantia nigra

Question 33

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** ADHD has been linked to low levels of dopamine in **this area of the brain**

Answer 33

prefrontal cortex

Question 34

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** Tourette's disorder has been linked to high levels of dopamine in these **areas of the brain**

Answer 34

caudate nucleus & basal ganglia

Question 35

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** According to this **concept**, an excess of dopamine in subcortical areas is linked to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia

Answer 35

dopamine hypothesis

Question 36

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** According to this **concept**, a deficiency of dopamine in cortical regions of the brain is linked to the negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Answer 36

dopamine hypothesis

Question 37

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this **neurotransmitter** is both excitatory and inhibitory and is involved in movement, muscle contraction, memory, and learning

Answer 37

acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 38

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this **autoimmune, neuromuscular disease** causes weakness in voluntary muscles by blocking and/or destroying acetylcholine (ACh; responsible for muscle contractions) receptors at neuromuscular junctions

Answer 38

Myasthenia gravis

Question 39

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** Alzheimer's has been linked to early memory loss due to low levels of ACh in these **2 areas of the brain**

Answer 39

entorhinal cortex & hippocampus

Question 40

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this **neurotransmitter** is an excitatory neurotransmitter and contributes to learning and memory, cognition, mood regulation.

Answer 40

glutamate

Question 41

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** **term** used to describe excessive glutamate that causes cell damage and death

Answer 41

glutamate excitotoxicity

Question 42

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** these disorders are linked to excitotoxicity | physical health

Answer 42

- stroke & seizures - Huntington's , Parkinson's, & Alzheimer's

Question 43

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this **neurotransmitter** is an excitatory neurotransmitter and is involved in arousal, alertness, and fight- or flight-response / stress

Answer 43

norepinephrine

Question 44

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** According to the **catecholamine hypothesis**, some forms of depression are caused by a deficiency of this **neurotransmitter**, while mania is due to excessive levels

Answer 44

norepinephrine

Question 45

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this **neurotransmitter** (aka 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) has an inhibitory effect and plays a role in many functions including mood, sleep, appetite, sexual activity, and pain

Answer 45

serotonin

Question 46

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** low levels of this **neurotransmitter** has been linked to depression, increased risk for suicide, bulimia nervosa, OCD, and migraine headaches

Answer 46

serotonin

Question 47

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** higher brain levels of serotonin have been linked increased anxiety and obsessive thinking characteristic of this **mental health disorder**

Answer 47

anorexia nervosa

Question 48

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** higher-than-normal blood levels of this **neurotransmitter** have been found in individuals with enlarged cerebral ventricles and/or cerebral atrophy, autism, and chronic schizophrenia

Answer 48

serotonin

Question 49

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this **neurotransmitter** is a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter and is involved in motor control, relaxation, arousal, memory, and sleep

Answer 49

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Question 50

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** higher levels of this **neurotransmitter** can cause memory impairment and daytime drowsiness

Answer 50

GABA

Question 51

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** lower levels of this **neurotransmitter** can cause anxiety and insomnia

Answer 51

GABA

Question 52

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** abnormal levels of GABA have been associated with these **mental health disorders**?

Answer 52

- MDD - bipolar - panic disorder - GAD - PTSD - schizophrenia - autism

Question 53

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** **term** used to describe medication that mimics or increases the effects of a neurotransmitter

Answer 53

agonists

Question 54

this **type of agonists** attaches to receptor sites and acts like neurotransmitters

Answer 54

direct

Question 55

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this **type of agonist** increases the availability of a neurotransmitter but does not attach to receptor sites

Answer 55

indirect

Question 56

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this **type of agonist** produces effects that are similar to (but weaker than) the effects of a neurotransmitter

Answer 56

partial agonists

Question 57

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this **type of agonist** produces effects that are the opposite of the effects of a neurotransmitter

Answer 57

inverse

Question 58

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** **term** used to describe medication that does not produce any effects on its own but blocks or reduces the effects of a neurotransmitter

Answer 58

Antagonists

Question 59

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** **a type of antagonist** that binds to and blocks receptors, thereby preventing a neurotransmitter from attaching to the receptors

Answer 59

direct antagonist

Question 60

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** **type of antagonist** that prevents the production or release of a neurotransmitter by presynaptic cells

Answer 60

indirect

Question 61

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** Memory loss during the initial stage of Alzheimer’s disease has been most consistently linked to low levels of this **neurotransmitter** in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus

Answer 61

acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 62

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** the primary function of this **protective cover** is to increase the speed of nerve impulses

Answer 62

myelin sheath

Question 63

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** this neurotransmitter is inhibitory neurotransmitter and low levels have been linked to chronic insomnia and anxiety disorders

Answer 63

GABA

Question 64

# **Nervous System, Neurons, Neurotransmitters** Stimulus intensity is encoded by the frequency of this process

Answer 64

action potentials

Question 65

The primary function of the myelin sheath is to: a) increase the speed of nerve impulses b) increase the size of the action potential c) failitate synaptic transmission d) facilitate neurogenesis

Answer 65

a) increase the speed of nerve impulses ## Footnote The myelin sheath is a fatty substance that insulates and increases the speed of nerve impulses in the axons of neurons.

Question 66

a drug that increases which of the following is likelyt to be most effective in treating OCD: a) serotonin b) acetylcholine c) norephinephrine d) GABA

Answer 66

a) serotonin ## Footnote Knowing that SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) would have helped you identify the correct answer to this question. Note that, while OCD has been most consistently linked to low levels of serotonin, there’s also research linking it to abnormal levels of dopamine and glutamate.

Question 67

Stimulus intensity is encoded by: a) the intensity of action potentials b) the frequency of action potentials c) the intensity & frequency of action potentials d) neither the intensity & frequency of action potentials

Answer 67

b) the frequency of action potentials ## Footnote Action potentials are all-or-none responses which means they either occur or don’t occur and, when they occur, they have the same intensity. Consequently, stimulus intensity is not determined by the intensity of an action potential but by the frequency of the action potentials generated by a neuron and/or by the number of neurons that generate action potentials.

Question 68

A drug that has the same effects as a neurotransmitter or that increases the effects of a neurotransmitter is referred to as a(n): a) antagonist b) inverse agonist c) partial agonist d) agonist

Answer 68

d) agonist

Question 70

this is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and low levels have been linked to chronic insomnia and anxiety disorders. a) dopamine b) acetylcholine c) GABA d) glutamate

Answer 70

c) GABA ## Footnote ow levels of GABA have been linked to insomnia, seizures, and anxiety, and **benzodiazepines** reduce anxiety and induce sleep by amplifying its effects.