General Psych Exam 2 Objectives 1 What are the parts of a neuron What are their functions Define synapse Cells of the nervous system 100 billion neurons and 160 billion connections between them communication Glial Cells supporting cells of the brain clean up debris repair neurons and speed up Dendrites branches near soma help to receive electrochemical messages Synapse the connection formed between two neighboring neurons to exchange signals or neurotransmitters with each other 2 How are communications sent within a neuron Information in the form of electrochemical messages is received via dendritic branches and travels down the axon reaching the axon terminal which them releases that info to other neurons forming a synapse In order for info to get through the axon an action potential must occur At rest positive particles flow into the cell rapidly when the inside of the neuron accumulates the max level of positive charge the positive particles rush out If no neurotransmitters acting on neuron resting potential Must reach a threshold enough change to start the action potential in order for the info to be transmitted down the axon All or none response Brief refractory period between action potentials 3 How do neurons use neurotransmitters to communicate with each other Using electrochemical messages called neurotransmitters Axon terminal of one neuron meets the dendritic branches of another Forms a synaptic cleft where a synapse exchange of info can occur Use a variety of different neurotransmitters to get a message across some can excite and others inhibit GABA inhibit and decrease chance neurons will communicate Glutamate excite and increase chance neurons will communicate Neural Plasticity used to describe how the nervous system can change and adapt to allow learning development and recovery after an injury or degeneration 4 What are the two major divisions of the nervous system Describe their functions Central Nervous System CNS composed of the brain and spinal cord which connects the brain and the PNS Peripheral Nervous System PNS carries messages to and from the CNS links the CNS to sensory receptors taste and touch muscles and glands 5 What are the two major components of the peripheral nervous system Describe their functions Somatic Nervous System controls voluntary muscles and transmits sensory info to the CNS sends signals from the sense organs and skin to the CNS sends signals to the skeletal muscles that allows for voluntary movement Autonomic Nervous System controls involuntary body functions reflexes instincts hormones smooth muscles and organs like the heart and stomach 6 What are the two major components of the autonomic nervous system Describe their functions Sympathetic Nervous System fight or flight increased heart rate goose bumps dilated pupils heavy breathing inhibit saliva glands Parasympathetic Nervous System rest and digest show heart rate pupil constricts slow breathing increase digestion relax bladder 7 What are the various functions of the four lobes of the cerebral cortex Frontal Lobe motor function executive functioning motor cortex prefrontal cortex thinking planning language personality mood Brocha s area production of language Parietal Lobe specialized for touch and perception somatosensory cortex sensitive to pain and temperature communicate info to motor cortex when we reach grasp or move eyes Temporal Lobe plays a role in understanding language autobiographical memories auditory cortex b c near the ears Wernicke s area comprehension of language Occipital Lobe specialized for sight 8 What is the function of the basal ganglia A forebrain structure that allows for the control of voluntary movements and posture Allows for rewards and reinforcement Damage could contribute to Parkinson s disease 9 What are the functions of the limbic system thalamus hypothalamus hippocampus and amygdala Has a role as a center of smell motivation and memory Thalamus on top of brainstem sensory switchboard receives sensory input except smell and sends it to the specialized regions of the brain acts like a filter Hypothalamus regulate internal environment homeostasis regulates some emotions and drives anger fear hunger thirst lust Hippocampus helps us to retrieve specific events themselves producing explicit declarative memory if there was a hippo on campus you would remember it Amygdala emotions anger and aggression important for the formation of emotional memories 10 What are the components of the brain stem and what are their functions Connects the cerebral cortex and spinal cord Perform basic bodily functions Relay station between cortex and the rest of the nervous system Midbrain movement sound reflexes turn around when you hear your name called track visual stimuli Pons connect cortex and cerebellum dreams Medulla regulate breathing heartbeat vital functions Spinal cord convey signals between brain and body Cerebellum control balance and coordination 11 What are examples of some methods that biological psychologists use to map behavior and cognition to the brain Electrical Stimulation used electrodes to stimulate different parts of the brain and note reaction of the patient effects of such conditions Lesion studies identify tumors and lesions in different parts of the brain and log the side Electroencephalograph EEG measure electrical activity with electrodes placed on skull can tell what regions become active during different tasks Brain Scans CT MRI PET fMRI allow one to see the actual brain Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation TMS applies strong and quickly changing magnetic force to the surface of skull to either enhance or interrupt function allows for determination of functioning 12 Identify the components of the eye and their function How does the eye start the visual process Cornea protective layer Aqueous Humor provide nutrients maintain shape of eye in anterior chamber Pupil and Iris helps to regulate amount of light Lens refract and focus light on the retina Vitreous humor phagocytic cells and collagen fibers within the posterior of the eye Retina contains the photoreceptors When light enters the eyes opens in the center where the light passes though dilated or constricts determines the amount of light that can pass though lens bends light passing through the eye photoceptors in the retina reflect visual information using rods shapes contrast and cones detect color 13 Identify and describe the components of the ear How does the ear start the auditory
View Full Document
Unlocking...