IB Psych Bio Quiz

What is MRI and its main use?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive imaging technology that produces detailed anatomical images of the brain and is commonly used for visualization of soft tissues.

What does fMRI stand for and what does it assess?

fMRI stands for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and it assesses brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

What is meant by the 'localization of function' in the brain?

Localization of function refers to the concept that different parts of the brain are responsible for specific functions or behaviors.

What role do the basal ganglia play in the brain?

The basal ganglia are associated with movement regulation, reward, and various cognitive functions.

What is the primary function of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum is crucial for motor control, coordination, balance, and learning motor skills.

What cognitive functions is the frontal lobe associated with?

The frontal lobe is involved in reasoning, motor skills, higher-level cognitive functions, and decision-making.

What is the role of the parietal lobe in the brain?

The parietal lobe processes sensory information and is involved in spatial orientation and navigation.

What is the function of the amygdala?

The amygdala processes emotions, particularly fear and pleasure.

What critical function does the hippocampus serve?

The hippocampus is essential for the formation of memories and spatial navigation.

What did the Milner Study on Patient HM demonstrate?

The Milner Study showed the role of the hippocampus in memory formation.

What was highlighted in the Squire Study (2004) regarding the hippocampus?

The Squire Study underscored the hippocampus's significant role in memory formation.

What did the Maguire Study (2000) investigate?

The Maguire Study examined how spatial navigation affects the structural changes in the hippocampus.

What is neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

What are neuronal networks?

Neuronal networks are complex networks of interconnected neurons that process and transmit information in the brain.

What is dendritic branching?

Dendritic branching is the process by which neurons grow dendrites to form new connections with other neurons.

What does LTP (Long-Term Potentiation) refer to?

LTP refers to a lasting enhancement in signal transmission between neurons resulting from repeated stimulation.

What is pruning in the context of neuroplasticity?

Pruning is the process of eliminating excess synapses and neurons to improve the efficiency of neural networks.

What does neurotransmission involve?

Neurotransmission is the process through which signaling molecules (neurotransmitters) are released by neurons to communicate.

What is a neuron?

A neuron is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system, transmitting signals through electrical impulses.

What is a synapse?

A synapse is the junction between two neurons where neurotransmission occurs.

What role do receptors play in neurotransmission?

Receptors are proteins on the surface of a neuron that bind to specific neurotransmitters, triggering a response.

What are neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

What does it mean for a neurotransmitter to be excitatory?

Excitatory neurotransmitters promote the firing of neurons, increasing the likelihood of an action potential.

What is acetylcholine and its significance?

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in muscle action, learning, and memory, playing a vital role in communication.

What does it mean for a neurotransmitter to be inhibitory?

Inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing, reducing excitability.

What is GABA and its function in the brain?

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms neuronal activity and regulates anxiety.

What is an agonist?

An agonist is a substance that enhances the action of a neurotransmitter by binding to its receptors.

What is an antagonist in the context of neurotransmission?

An antagonist blocks or inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter, preventing it from binding to receptors.

What is the role of scopolamine?

Scopolamine acts as an antagonist to acetylcholine receptors, used to treat motion sickness and nausea.

What did the Rogers & Kessner Study investigate?

The Rogers & Kessner Study examined the role of acetylcholine in memory consolidation.

What was the focus of the Antonova Study?

The Antonova Study examined the effects of scopolamine on spatial memory using fMRI.

What insights did the Prevot Study provide?

The Prevot Study focused on the interaction of neurotransmitters, like GABA, and their effects on anxiety levels.

What strengths were noted in the Milner Study on Patient HM?

The Milner Study provided in-depth insights into memory functions and the role of the hippocampus.

What were the weaknesses of the Squire Study (2004)?

Findings depend on specific cases that may not represent the general population and rely on neuroimaging limitations.

What strengths were found in the Maguire Study (2000)?

The Maguire Study demonstrated neuroplasticity with a well-defined participant group and advanced imaging technology.

What limitations were identified in the Draganski Study?

The findings may be limited to a specific skill, reducing applicability to other learning forms.

What ethical considerations were noted in the Rogers & Kessner Study?

There are ethical considerations surrounding the administration of scopolamine in studies involving human participants.

What were the strengths and weaknesses of the Antonova Study?

Strengths include objective findings through fMRI; weaknesses include small sample size affecting generalizability.

What area of research does the Troster & Beatty Study address?

The Troster & Beatty Study investigates the effects of cholinergic drugs on cognitive performance.

What ethical concerns were raised in the Troster & Beatty Study?

Ethical concerns regarding drug administration complicate the acceptability of the findings.