Question 1

When a neurotransmitter binds briefly with a receptor site, the ultimate effect is either excitatory or inhibitory. Explain the effects of each.

Accepted Answer

A good answer will include the following key points.
- Excitatory effect-a voltage shift in the positive direction occurs.
- It increases the probability that the receiving neuron will fire.
- Inhibitory effect-a voltage shift in the negative direction occurs.
- It decreases the probability that the receiving neuron will fire.

Question 2

List five different functions of glial cells.

Accepted Answer

A good answer will include the following key points.
- Provide a scaffold for neurons.
- Provide neurons with nutrients.
- Insulate neurons.
- Protect brain from toxic agents.
- Remove cellular debris when neurons die.
- Communicate with each other and with neurons.
- Help determine which neural connections get stronger or weaker.

Question 3

Researchers are now studying the possible involvement of sex hormones in behaviour that is not directly related to sex and reproduction. Cite one example of this research.

Accepted Answer

A good answer will include the following key points.
- The body's natural estrogen may contribute to learning and memory.
- Seems to promote the formation of synapses in some parts of the brain.
- Occurs in both males and females.

Question 4

Describe three tasks of the amygdala.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe three tasks of the amygdala....

Question 5

Why is the parasympathetic nervous system compared to the brake of a car?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is the parasympathetic nervous system compared...

Question 6

Why is the sympathetic nervous system compared to the accelerator of a car?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is the sympathetic nervous system compared...

Question 7

Your textbook describes an EEG recording as analogous to "listening to a game while standing outside a sports stadium." Explain this analogy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Your textbook describes an EEG recording as...

Question 8

As she entered a health food store, Gail noticed a sign recommending an herbal remedy called "St. John's wort" for the treatment of depression. Explain how this remedy affects the biochemistry of the nervous system.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As she entered a health food store,...

Question 9

Name two hormones discussed in the textbook and explain some of the tasks that these hormones perform.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Name two hormones discussed in the textbook...

Question 10

A brain without a peripheral nervous system would be like a radio without a receiver. Explain what is meant by this analogy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A brain without a peripheral nervous system...

Question 11

List the three main parts of the neuron and explain the role each plays in the transmission of neural communication.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List the three main parts of the...

Question 12

Which structure of the brain is about the size of a small fist and looks like a "little brain"? What function is associated with this "lesser brain"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which structure of the brain is about...

Question 13

Why do you immediately pull your hand away from something hot?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why do you immediately pull your hand...

Question 14

Explain why the hippocampus has been called the "gateway to memory." What research supports this explanation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why the hippocampus has been called...

Question 15

Which is the only sense that completely bypasses the thalamus? How is memory related to this particular sense?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which is the only sense that completely...

Question 16

Name any four neurotransmitters discussed in the textbook and explain which aspects of behaviour, memory, and well-being each influences.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Name any four neurotransmitters discussed in the...

Question 17

Name one drawback of the transcranial magnetic stimulation method discussed in the textbook.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Name one drawback of the transcranial magnetic...

Question 18

What are the three structures of the brain stem described in your textbook? What function is associated with each structure?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the three structures of the...

Question 19

How does an MRI allow the exploration of "inner space" without the injection of chemicals?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does an MRI allow the exploration...

Question 20

A soldier whose best friend has been seriously injured in battle carries the wounded man to safety. After he reaches the medics, he realizes that he, too, is wounded. How could the soldier have carried his friend to safety without noticing the pain from his own wound?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A soldier whose best friend has been...

Quiz 4: The Brain and Nervous System