Understanding the Brain and Nervous System

What is Phrenology and why is it important in our understanding of the brain?

• Phrenology is the study of the shape and size of the cranium as a supposed indication of character and mental abilities. It is important because it accurately maps brain functions.

• Phrenology is the study of the shape and size of the cranium as a supposed indication of character and mental abilities. It is important because it was an early attempt to link brain areas with specific functions, although it is now discredited.

• Phrenology is the study of brain waves and their impact on behavior. It is important because it provides a scientific basis for understanding brain activity.

• Phrenology is the study of the nervous system and its disorders. It is important because it helps diagnose neurological diseases.

What part of a neuron receives the neurotransmitters?

• Axon

• Dendrites

• Soma

• Myelin sheath

What happens to extra neurotransmitters that are floating between synapses?

• They are absorbed by the axon.

• They are broken down by enzymes.

• They are converted into electrical signals.

• They remain in the synaptic cleft indefinitely.

What is required for a nerve impulse to fire a signal down the axon, and what is this process called once it is started?

• A neurotransmitter; synaptic transmission

• A threshold potential; action potential

• A synaptic cleft; synaptic firing

• A receptor site; neural transmission

What determines whether neural activity increases or decreases?

• The number of neurons present

• The balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters

• The size of the brain

• The length of the axon

Describe the process that a neural impulse goes through to send a message.

• The impulse travels from the axon to the dendrites, then to the synapse.

• The impulse travels from the dendrites to the axon, then to the synapse.

• The impulse travels from the synapse to the axon, then to the dendrites.

• The impulse travels from the soma to the synapse, then to the axon.

Give examples of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters.

• Dopamine and serotonin

• GABA and glutamate

• Acetylcholine and norepinephrine

• Endorphins and adrenaline

Describe sensory, motor, and interneurons. Give an example of how these work together.

• Sensory neurons detect stimuli, motor neurons control muscles, interneurons connect neurons; they work together in reflex actions.

• Sensory neurons control muscles, motor neurons detect stimuli, interneurons connect neurons; they work together in voluntary actions.

• Sensory neurons connect neurons, motor neurons detect stimuli, interneurons control muscles; they work together in involuntary actions.

• Sensory neurons control muscles, motor neurons connect neurons, interneurons detect stimuli; they work together in reflex actions.

Give an example of what is controlled by the CNS and PNS.

• CNS controls reflexes; PNS controls voluntary movements.

• CNS controls voluntary movements; PNS controls reflexes.

• CNS controls the brain and spinal cord; PNS controls the rest of the body.

• CNS controls the rest of the body; PNS controls the brain and spinal cord.

What is the difference between the autonomic and somatic nervous system?

• The autonomic system controls voluntary actions; the somatic system controls involuntary actions.

• The autonomic system controls involuntary actions; the somatic system controls voluntary actions.

• The autonomic system controls sensory input; the somatic system controls motor output.

• The autonomic system controls motor output; the somatic system controls sensory input.