Bio Bases exam

Dualism

The belief that the mind and body are separate entities.

Monism

The belief that the mind and body are one, and mental processes arise from physical brain activity.

Modern Neuroscience

Follows monism, as research shows mental states are rooted in neural activity.

Basic Neuroscience

Studies fundamental mechanisms of brain function, such as neurophysiology and cognitive neuroscience.

Applied Neuroscience

Uses findings from neuroscience research to solve real-world problems.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.

Dendrites

Structures on a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Soma (Cell Body)

Part of a neuron that processes incoming signals.

Axon

The part of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the soma.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates the axon and speeds up signal transmission.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath that facilitate saltatory conduction.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that perform various functions including immune defense.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes nerves outside the CNS, divided into somatic and autonomic systems.

Meninges

Protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain, removes waste, and maintains pressure.

Frontal Lobe

Part of the brain involved in decision-making, planning, and motor control.

Occipital Lobe

Part of the brain responsible for processing visual information.

Action Potential

A brief reversal of membrane potential that occurs when a neuron becomes excited.

Resting Membrane Potential

The electrical potential of a neuron at rest, typically around -70mV.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A mechanism that restores the resting potential by pumping 3 Na⁺ out and 2 K⁺ in.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Excitatory Neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that depolarizes the neuron, increasing the likelihood of an action potential.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that hyperpolarizes the neuron, decreasing the likelihood of an action potential.

Axodendritic Synapse

A synapse where an axon connects to a dendrite, which is the most common type.

Functional Brain Imaging

Techniques, like fMRI, that visualize brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow.

Hemispheric Lateralization

The specialization of certain functions in either the left or right hemisphere of the brain.

Broca's Area

A region in the left frontal lobe responsible for language production.

Wernicke's Area

A region in the left temporal lobe responsible for language comprehension.

Phrenology

The study of the skull shape to determine mental faculties and personality traits.

Electromagnetic Activity Measurement

Techniques like EEG that measure electrical activity in the brain.