Unit 3 Neurons and Human Brain Flashcards
1
Q
What is the specialized cell that primarily makes up the brain?
A
Neurons
2
Q
What is the function of a Neuron?
A
Communication cells, they send and receive neurotransmitters
3
Q
The Action Potential causes the neuron to release a brain chemical, what are these called?
A
Neurotransmitters
4
Q
List neurotransmitters covered in this lecture
A
Adrenaline/Epinephrine
Noradrenaline/Norepinephrine Dopamine
Serotonin
GABA
Acetylcholine
Glutamate
Endorphins
5
Q
What is Adrenaline/Epinephrine?
A
Fight or flight neurotransmitter
6
Q
What is Noradrenaline/Norepinephrine?
A
Concentration neurotransmitter
7
Q
What is Dopamine?
A
Pleasure neurotransmitter
8
Q
What is Serotonin?
A
Mood neurotransmitter
9
Q
What is GABA?
A
Calming neurotransmitter
10
Q
What is Acetylcholine?
A
Learning neurotransmitter
11
Q
What is Glutamate?
A
Memory neurotransmitter
12
Q
What are Endorphins?
A
Euphoria neurotransmitter
13
Q
What is an example of a problem that can happen with Adrenaline/Epinephrine?
A
Panic attacks
14
Q
What is an example of a problem that can happen with Noradrenaline/Norepinephrine?
A
ADHD
15
Q
What is an example of a problem that can happen with Dopamine?
A
Addiction
16
Q
What is an example of a problem that can happen with Serotonin?
A
Depression
17
Q
What is an example of a problem that can happen with GABA?
A
Anxiety/ Sleep problems
18
Q
What is an example of a problem that can happen with acetylcholine?
A
Learning disorders
19
Q
What is an example of a problem that can happen with Glutamate?
A
Alzheimers
20
Q
What is an example of a problem that can happen with Endorphins?
A
Bipolar
21
Q
What does the semi-permeable membrane have embedded within it?
A
Ion channels
22
Q
Which cell creates the myelin sheath?
(This is why each myelin sheath has it’s own nucleus)
A
Schwann’s cells
23
Q
What do synaptic vesicles hold?
A
Neurotransmitters
24
Q
What is the main body of the neuron called?
A
The Soma
25
All around the Soma of the Neuron are branch-like structures, what are they called?
Dendrites
26
What is the area labeled #1 of the Neuron called?
Dendrites (receivers)
27
What is the area labeled #2 on this image of the Neuron called?
The Soma or cell body
28
What is the area labeled #3 on this image of a neuron called?
Axon (the conducting fiber)
29
What is this area labeled #4 on the image of the neuron called?
Node of Ranvier
30
What is the area labeled #5 of this image of a neuron called?
Axon terminals (transmitters)
31
What is this area labeled #6 on the image of a neuron called?
Schwann's cells (they make the myelin)
32
What is this area labeled #7 on the image of a neuron called?
Myelin sheath (insulated fatty layer that spreads up transmission)
33
What is this area labeled #8 on the image of the neuron called?
The nucleus
34
What is the long tube extending away from the Soma?
The Axon
35
What are the fatty segments along the axon called?
The myelin sheath
36
What are the spaces between the myelin sheath called?
The nodes of ranvier
37
What are the cells that make the myelin sheath called?
Schwann's cells
38
What is the "skin" of the neuron called?
The semi-permeable membrane
39
What kind of cell is the Schwann's cells?
A glial cell
40
What are the branch like structures at the end away from the neurons main body called?
Axon terminals (transmitters)
41
What do synaptic vesicles hold?
Neurotransmitters
42
Where are the synaptic vesicles located?
In the Axon terminal
43
How does the axon terminal get triggered to release the neurotransmitters?
With an action potential
44
What are ions?
Charged particles
45
What does Na+ stand for?
Sodium
46
What does K+ stand for?
Potassium
47
What does the neuron Soma do?
Holds the nucleus "brain" of the neuron cell
48
What does the neurons semi-permeable membrane do?
Is the "skin" of the neuron and has ion channels to allows some ions in
49
What does the Axon do?
It is a long tube where the electricity of an action potential travels
50
What does the myelin sheath do?
It is fatty segments along the axon which speed up the conduction of electrical transmission of an action potential
51
What do the nodes of ranvier do?
These are unmyelinated parts along the axon that allow the electrical transmission of an action potential to hop over myelin sheath and speed up transmission
52
What is visible in each segment of the myelin sheath?
Schwann cells
53
What is contained in Axon terminals?
Synaptic vesicles
54
What do synaptic vesicles do?
They hold neurtransmitters
55
What do dendrites do?
They have receptor sites to to receive neurotransmitters
56
What do receptor sites do?
Portals to receive neurotransmitters
57
What are the 5 stages of an action potential?
RESTING
1) Threshold
2) Depolarization
3) Repolarization
4) Hyperpolarization
5) Na+/K+ pump
RESTING
58
Which stage of an action potential is described:
Na+ out, K+ >in/
Threshold, the first stage
59
Which stage of an action potential is described:
Na+ in, K+ in; +mV?
Depolarization, the second stage
60
Which stage of an action potential is described:
Na+ in, K+ out; -mV?
Repolarization, the third stage
61
Which stage of an action potential is described:
Too negative to communicate
Hyperpolarization, the fourth stage
62
Which stage of an action potential is described:
Na+ out, K+ >in/
The Na+/K+ pump, the fifth stage
63
What does Na+ out, K+ in&out; -70mV describe?
Resting, before and after an action potential stage
64
During chemical transmission, which neuron (pre-synaptic or post-synaptic) goes through the action potential process?
Pre-synaptic neuron
65
What role does the pre-synaptic neuron play in chemical transmission?
It "sends" the neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap and goes through the reuptake process
66
Where do the neurotransmitters go upon release?
They are "eaten up" my the Monamine Oxidase enzyme (MAO) in the synaptic gap
67
What is synaptic gap?
The space between neurons, they never touch
68
What does the pre-synaptic neuron do after it has successfully released neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap?
The Reuptake process
69
What is the process of recycling or repackaging neurotransmitters after successful transmission of neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap by pre-synaptic neurons
Reuptake process
70
Why do MAO enzymes "eat" left-over neurotransmitters in the synaptic gap? What purpose does this serve for the brain/neuron?
This is a regulation process helps maintain brain chemistry balance
71
Which neuron receives the neurotransmitters after they have gone through the synaptic gap?
Dendrites on the post-synaptic neuron
72
What does "lock and key" specific receptor sites on the post-synaptic neurons dendrites mean?
Dendrites receptor sites can only receive specific neurotransmitters
73
Differentiate the "excitatory" vs "inhibitory" impact on the post-synaptic neuron after chemical transmission
Excitatory - increases action potentials
Inhibitory - decreases action potentials
74
What is a synapse?
The non-physical connection between two neurons (neurons never touch)
75
What causes long-term potentiation between neurons?
When neurons communicate frequently
76
What happens because of long-term potentiation of a synapse?
The synapse gets stronger and causes synaptic pathways to form which is the "hard-working" of your brain (i.e. memories/knowledge, etc)
77
What is homeostasis?
A balanced, stable or steady state
78
What happens if your neurotransmitters don't stay balanced?
You will start having symptoms of mental illness
79
What can happen to a synapse if a person's pattern of thinking changes?
If you don't use it, you lose it. Vice versa if you use it more it gets stronger
80
What is Down Regulation?
When receptor sites shut down if too much dopamine is present
81
Describe an example of how a drug produces downregulation
-Take a drug
-The reward center of your brain produces dopamine (DA) and impairs reuptake & MAO processes
- excessive DA (the high)
- DA receptor sites shut down
82
What do prescription psychotropic drugs help with?
If a brain doesn't self-regulate, then a drug may be used to help create balance (I.e. increase or decrease neurotransmitters)
83
What does newer research suggest about the tendency to use drugs to balance brain chemistry compared to making lifestyle changes? (such as dietary, exercise and sleep habits)
that the impact of exercise, diet and sleep habits may due a better job of helping the brain regulate itself
84
Where does the brain get the protein, potassium, sodium, and other nutrients it needs to function properly?
Food
85
What is the newly emerging field that is investigating the benefits of making lifestyle changes rather than using drugs to balance brain chemistry?
Nutritional psychiatry
86
What is the electrical form of communication a neuron can do?
Action potential
87
What is the body of the neuron called?
The Soma
88
What is the skin of the neuron called? (This holds the ion channels)
Semi-permeable membrane
89
What is the receiving part of the neuron?
(Holds receptor sites)
Dendrites
90
What is the neurotransmitter-specific portals called?
Receptor sites
91
What is the long tube that extends from the Soma to the axon terminal called?
The Axon
92
What are the tiny sacs that contain the neurotransmitters called?
Synaptic vesicles
93
What is the sending part of the neuron called?
(Holds synaptic vesicles)
Axon terminals
94
What are fatty segments along the axon called?
Myelin sheaths
95
What are the unmyelinated segments along the axon called?
Nodes of Ranvier
96
Explain the Reuptake process:
When the pre-synaptic neuron repackaged/reuses neurotransmitters
97
Explain what an MAO is
Enzymes that ensure there aren't too many neurotransmitters
98
Explain Lock-&-Key specificity
The dendrite's receptor sites have portals that only accept certain neurotransmitters
99
Define Neural Plate
Neural tissue that starts to fold into itself
(If this isn't present no brain will form)
100
Define Neural Plate
Neural tissue that starts to fold into itself
(If this isn't present no brain will form)
101
Neural groove
The folding neural tissue
(Differentiates left/right sides of the brain)
102
Neural tube
Neural tissue that elongates and eventually becomes the entire central nervous system (CNS)
103
Define Neurogenesis
The birth of a neuron/Soma
104
Neural migration
When neurons travel to an area of the brain before communicating
105
Define Synaptogenesis
The formation of a synapse (after neurons communicate)
106
Define Plasticity
The ability of the brain to change in response to stimulation/learning/experiences
107
Define pruning
Removing/decreasing unused parts of a neuron at a synapse
108
Define Neurodiversity
All brains are unique
109
Define Neurotypical
Brain development and function falls within normal ranges
110
Define Neuroatypical
Brain development and function falls outside of normal ranges (may or may not have a disorder)
111
Define Neurodevelopmental disorder
Brain development and functioning causes impairments and services are needed
112
Define Synesthesia
Having "joined" sensations
113
List three regions of the brain
1) Forebrain
2) Midbrain
3) Hindbrain
114
What is within the Forebrain?
Cerebral Cortex
Corpus Callosum
Limbic system
115
List the Four lobes of the brain
1) Frontal lobe
2) Temporal lobe
3) Parietal love
4) Occipital lobe
116
Describe the Cerebral Cortex
The wrinkled outer portion with two hemispheres and four lobes in the Forebrain/Cerebrum
117
Describe the Corpus Collosum
A thick band that connects the two hemispheres of the brain within the Forebrain/ Cerebrum
118
Describe the Limbic System
A group of structures also know as the "animal brain" located in the Forebrain/Cerebrum
119
What connects the two hemispheres of the brain?
The Corpus Callosum
120
Describe the functions within the Frontal Lobe
Higher order mental processes and conscious behaviors & smell
121
Describe the functions within the Parietal Lobe
Whole body sensations & touch
122
Describe the functions within the Occipital Lobe
Vision
123
Describe the functions within the Temporal Lobe
Sound and taste
124
Do both hemispheres of the brain have all four lobes?
Yes
125
List 5 fetal origin toxins
Radiation
Lead
Toxic waste
Chemicals
Pesticides
Air pollution
126
List fetal origin factors that would promote brain development
Prenatal vitamins
Managing stress
127
List fetal origin factors that would impair brain development
Drinking alcohol
Taking drugs/medication
128
List Nurture factors that promote healthy brain development
Affection
Attention
Education
129
List Nurture factors that might impair brain development
Abuse
Neglect
Poverty
130
List Nature factors that promote healthy brain development
Good genes
131
List Nature factors that might impair brain development
Genetic mutations
132
Who conducted research to mimic the upbringing of orphans experience by separating monkeys from their mothers at birth?
Harry Harlow
133
List three findings of Harry Harlows research
1) infants need regular touch in addition to being regularly fed and cleaned
2)infants who didn't get regular touch affection and movement sometimes died
3) If given a choice between surrogate mother who felt soft and moved or surrogate mother who only provided food the monkey chose comfort over food
134
What can happen if a care giver regularly allows a child to cry without responding?
Toxic Stress Syndrome, where the growth, development and function of the brain can be impaired and can cause death
135
What can result from Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Brain damage, loss of knowledge/skills, convulsions/seizures, death
136
Define Nature
Genetic influences
137
Define Nurture
Environmental influences
138
Define Fetal Origins
Prenatal influances
139
When is the brain fully developed?
Between 21-25 years old
140
How many neurons does a healthy brain have when it's fully developed?
~90 billion neurons
141
What is the consistency of a mature brain?
Similar to soft tofu very easily damaged
142
Which Cortex plans upcoming movements? Which lobe is it in?
Pre-motor cortex in the Frontal lobe
143
Which Cortex handles conscious/voluntary movements? Which lobe is it in?
Motor Cortex, frontal lobe
144
Which Cortex processes everything you touch/feel? Which lobe is it in?
Somatosensory Cortex, Parietal Lobe
145
Which Cortex allows you to make speech sounds/talk? Which Lobe is it in?
Brocas's cortex, frontal lobe
146
Which Cortex allows you to comprehend speech sounds? Which lobe is it in?
Wernicke's Cortex, Temporal lobe
147
Which Cortex processes everything you hear (voice, music, etc) ? Which lobe is it in?
Primary Auditory Cortex, Temporal lobe
148
Which Cortex processes everything you see? Which lobe is it in?
Visual cortex, occipital lobe
149
Which Cortex handles decision making mental processes (considering pros/cons)? Which lobe is it in?
Pre-Frontal Cortex, frontal lobe
150
What is "Aphasia"?
The inability to produce and/or understand language
151
What is Broca's Aphasia?
Inability to speak
152
What is Wernicke's Aphasia
Inability to understand language
153
What does the left hemisphere do?
Controls right side of the body, verbal, mathematical, logical, reasoning skills
154
What does the right hemisphere do?
Controls left side of the body, non-verbal, artistic, intuitive, creative skills
155
Which two cortices are only located in the left hemisphere?
Broca's and Wernicke's areas
156
What is the association cortex/cortices?
These are made up of interneurons and connect the different cortices
157
List the 5 limbic system structures
1) Thalamus
2) Hypothalamus
3) Hippocampus
4) Amygdala
5) Olfactory bulb
158
What does the Thalamus do?
Relays information from brainstorm to cerebral cortex. (Usually it directs signals to the Occipital lobe as vision is a dominant sense)
159
What does Hypothalamus do?
Activates/regulates the pituitary gland
(Which is the master gland of the entire endocrine system or glands that produce all bodily hormones)
160
What does the Hippocampus do?
Helps you form new short-term memories and neurogenesis
161
What does the Amygdala do?
Helps you feel and process emotions
162
What does the Olfactory Bulb do?
Helps you process smells
163
What are two structures in the Midbrain?
Substantia Nigra
Reticular Activation system
164
What does the substantia Nigra do?
The area that produces most of your dopamine
165
What does the Reticular Activation system do?
A relay station that directs signals to the cerebral cortex for further processing. If dopamine is present it will send rewarding signals to the frontal lobe and convince your brain to do that activity more
166
List 4 Hindbrain structures
Cerebellum
Pons
Medulla
Reticular Formation
167
What does the Cerebellum do?
Whole body balance, coordination, bilateral movements (like walking or swimming)
168
What does the Pons do?
Small muscle movements such as bladder control, swallowing
169
What does the Medulla do?
Regulates all life-support functions such as heart rate, respiration, digestion, perspiration
170
What does the Reticular Formation do?
Helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle
171
What makes up the brainstem?
The midbrain and hindbrain structures
172
Who conducted research to mimic the socioeconomic conditions children experience by raising rats in enriched, middle/average or impoverished environments?
Marian Diamond
173
What are 3 findings from Marian Diamonds research?
1) Those raised in impoverished environments had smaller, lower functioning brains
2) those raised in enriched environments had larger, higher functioning brains
3) there is a 25% brain mass difference based on Socioeconomic status conditions
(Later research showed decline in several areas of mental functions seemingly related to exposure to screens, recommendations to not expose children to screens before 1.5yrs)
174
List 3 neurodevelopmental delays researchers have correlated to early exposure to screens
Attention span deficits
Learning disorders
Language delays
175
List 4 things you can do to ensure you have a healthy brain
Regular exercise
Eat nutritious/healthy foods
Get proper sleep on a regular basis
Engage in regular social interactions
Study/take classes (challenge your brain)
176
What activity is most stimulating to the brain?
Playing a musical instrument activates more areas in both hemispheres than any other activity researched
177
Define Synesthesia
Having joined sensations
178
Give an example of Synesthesia
Tasting a flavor when you hear a sound (without eating)
179
What is Hydrocephalus?
A condition where fluid builds up in the brain
180
List 3 "last resorts" for brain conditions (featuring grand mal seizures) that don't respond to medications
Split brain operation
Lobectomy
Hemispherectomy
181
What is a split brain operation?
Cutting the Corpus callosum in half
182
What is a lobectomy?
Removing one lobe in the brain
183
What is a hemispherectomy?
Removing one hemisphere of the brain
184
What is the first stage of an action potential?
1) Threshold
185
What is the second stage of an action potential?
2) Depolarization
186
What is the third stage of an action potential?
3) Repolarization
187
What is the fourth stage of an action potential?
4) Hyperpolarization
188
What is the fifth stage of an action potential?
5) Na+/K+ pump
189
What is the area marked A on this image called?
Frontal Lobe
190
What is the area marked B on this image called?
Parietal Lobe
191
What is the area marked C on this image called?
Occipital Lobe
192
What is the area marked D on this image called?
Temporal Lobe
193
What is the area marked A on this image called?
Pons
194
What is the area marked B on this image called?
Medulla
195
What is the area marked C on this image called?
Reticular Formation
196
What is the area marked D on this image called?
Cerebellum
197
What is the area marked A on this image called?
Hypothalamus
198
What is the area marked B on this image called?
Thalamus
199
What is the area marked C on this image called?
Hippocampus
200
What is the area marked D on this image called?
Amygdala
201
What is the area marked E on this image called?
Olfactory Bulb
202
What is the area marked F on this image called?
Frontal Lobe
203
What is the area marked A on this image called?
Prefrontal Cortex
204
What is the area marked B on this image called?
Pre-motor Cortex
205
What is the area marked C on this image called?
Motor Strip
206
What is the area marked D on this image called?
Somatosensory
207
What is the area marked E on this image called?
Wernicke area
208
What is the area marked F on this image called?
Visual cortex
209
What is the area marked G on this image called?
Auditory Cortex
210
What is the area marked H on this image called?
Broca's
211
Differentiate the excitatory vs inhibitory impact on the post-synaptic neuron after chemical transmission occurs?
Excitatory - increased action potentials
Inhibitory - decreases action potentials
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