exam 2

What does epigenetics study in the context of behavior development?

Changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

How does PKU illustrate gene-environment interaction?

PKU is a genetic disorder that can be managed through dietary changes, highlighting the effect of environment on gene expression.

What is the role of neurotrophins in the nervous system?

Neurotrophins are proteins that help promote survival and growth of neurons.

What is brain plasticity?

The ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experience.

What is synaptogenesis?

The process of forming new synaptic connections in the brain.

What are the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome?

Developmental issues, including physical and cognitive impairments due to alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

What is the purpose of tPA in stroke treatment?

tPA (tissue Plasminogen Activator) is used to dissolve blood clots in ischemic strokes.

What phenomenon describes the experience of sensations in a limb that is no longer present?

Phantom limb.

How does cortical reorganization occur in response to phantom limb sensations?

Neurons in the brain associated with the missing limb may start responding to stimuli from other body parts.

What are the two main visual pathways in the brain?

Ventral pathway and dorsal pathway.

What is blindsight?

The ability to respond to visual stimuli without consciously perceiving them, often due to damage in V1.

What are the three theories of color vision?

Trichromatic theory, opponent-process theory, and Retinex theory.

What are rods primarily responsible for in vision?

Night vision and detecting motion.

What are cones mainly responsible for?

Color vision and detail perception.

Where is the area responsible for motion detection in the visual system?

Area MT/V5.

What is face perception associated with in the brain?

The fusiform gyrus.

What is visual agnosia?

The inability to recognize objects despite having intact vision.

What are the two types of deafness?

Conductive deafness and sensorineural deafness.

What is the place theory of pitch perception?

Pitch is determined by the specific location along the cochlea that is stimulated.

What is the frequency theory of pitch perception?

Pitch is determined by the rate at which the auditory nerve fires.

What is volley theory in the context of hearing?

Groups of neurons fire in a volley pattern to encode higher-frequency sounds.

What systems make up the vestibular system?

The semicircular canals and otolith organs responsible for balance.

What does the somatosensory system detect?

Touch, temperature, pain, and body position.

What does the gate control theory of pain processing suggest?

Pain can be modulated by gate mechanisms in the spinal cord that either allow or prohibit pain signals to the brain.

What pathway does olfaction use to connect with the brain?

The direct cortical pathway.

What type of receptors detect taste?

Taste receptors.

What is umami?

A taste sensation that is associated with savory foods, particularly those rich in glutamate.

What is synesthesia?

A condition where stimulation of one sensory modality leads to automatic experiences in another modality.

How do sensory overlaps contribute to synesthesia?

They enable a blending of sensory perceptions, such as seeing colors when hearing sounds.

What is the impact of epigenetics on behavior?

It allows environmental factors to alter gene expression, influencing behaviors.

What encompasses the process of synaptogenesis during brain development?

The creation of synapses, which are crucial for communication between neurons.

What type of evidence supports the role of neurotrophins in neuronal survival?

Research showing increased neuron survival in their presence during development.

What is a common consequence of stroke involving ischemia?

Decreased blood flow leading to neuron damage or death.

What does the fusiform gyrus specifically help in processing?

Facial recognition.

What challenges do blind individuals with blindsight face?

They may respond to visual cues without conscious visual awareness.

Which visual pathway is involved in 'what' object recognition?

The ventral visual pathway.

Which visual pathway is associated with spatial awareness and movement?

The dorsal visual pathway.

What condition results from damage to the occipital lobe and affects visual recognition?

Visual agnosia.

What distinguishes conductive deafness from sensorineural deafness?

Conductive deafness involves problems in the outer or middle ear, while sensorineural deafness is related to issues in the inner ear or auditory nerve.

In the context of pitch perception, what does frequency theory explain?

How the brain perceives pitch based on the frequency of neuron firing.

What does the vestibular system primarily help maintain?

Balance and spatial orientation.

What is the primary function of pain receptors?

To detect and transmit signals of potential harm.

How does taste differ from olfaction?

Taste relies on specific receptors on the tongue, while olfaction involves chemical detection in the nasal cavity.

In what way does synesthesia often manifest visually?

Experiencers may see colors, shapes, or patterns when hearing certain sounds.

What can excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy lead to?

Fetal alcohol syndrome, which causes neurological and developmental issues.

What defines a brain's plasticity during rehabilitation after injury?

The ability of the brain to reorganize itself and form new connections in response to therapy.