HWSG3M: Biology and Behavior

Where are synapses located in the human body?

the axons of one neuron and the dendrites of another

What is the main function of the peripheral nervous system?

transit information from the central nervous system to other parts of the body

What are some of the major strategies used by researchers to study the brain?

images of the brain created by computers, people with head injuries, and the effects of electrical stimulation on the brain

What do the adrenal glands produce?

the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline

What kind of study is extremely useful for examining the influence of heredity and the environment?

twins who have been reared apart

What are the basic building blocks of the nervous system?

neurons

Acetylcholine and dopamine are examples of something found in the human body. What is the term given the group of chemicals that include these two?

neurotransmitters

What are the main two divisions of the nervous system?

brain and spinal cord

What activates the “flight or fight” response to a stressful event?

sympathetic nervous system

Which part of the reticular activating system helps regulate sleep and alertness?

pons

Unusual drinking and eating behaviors can be caused by damage to which part of the brain?

hypothalamus

What is the largest part of the brain?

cerebrum

What is the name given to the outer layer of the brain?

cerebral cortex

What happens when you touch a hot object with your right hand; to which part of the brain is the information sent?

left hemisphere

What function is performed by the corpus callosum?

moving information

In which part of the brain does the ability to create language originate?

left hemisphere

What is a likely result of damage to Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area?

difficulties in producing and understanding speech

For what purpose are electroencephalograms used?

diagnose certain kinds of psychological disorders

For what reason is the pituitary known as the master gland?

secrets many hormones that affect a wide range of behaviors

Which psychological disorders seem to have an inherited component?

alcholism, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression