HBS Unit 2 Review

Brain Stem

responsible for regulating most of the body's automatic functions that are essential for life (homeostasis)

Central Nervous System

It is made up of the brain and spinal cord, and is the body's proccessing center.

Cerebellum

the part of the brain at the back of the skull in vertebrates. Its function is to coordinate and regulate muscular activity.

Cerebrum

controls muscle functions and also controls speech, thought, emotions, reading, writing, and learning.

Gyrus

a ridge on the surface of the brain

Limbic System

the part of the brain involved in our behavioural and emotional responses, especially when it comes to behaviours we need for survival: feeding, reproduction and caring for our young, and fight or flight responses.

Lobe

each of the parts of the cerebrum of the brain

Peripheral Nervous System

Is made up of nerves, and controls involuntary bodily funcitons and movement

Phrenology

the detailed study of the shape and size of the cranium as a supposed indication of character and mental abilities.

Sulcus

a groove or furrow, especially one on the surface of the brain

Communication

the imparting or exchanging of information or news

How does communication occur in machines and in the human body?

They both use electrical signals, in machines they are passed sometimes by wires, but in the human body they are passed down by neurons to and from the CNS.

What are consequences of miscommunication in the body?

the body starts to attack itself, a person not getting enough of a hormone, or not feeling pain

How do the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system work together to control the body?

The peripheral system allows the brain and spinal cord to receive and send information to other areas of the body, which allows us to react to stimuli in our environment

What are the functions of the main regions of the brain?

Temporal Lobe: processing auditory information and with the encoding of memory.
Parietal Lobe: sensory perception and integration, including the management of taste, hearing, sight, touch, and smell.
Occipital Lobe: visual perception, including colour, form and motion.
Frontal Lobe: voluntary movement, expressive language and for managing higher level executive functions.
Cerebellum: helps coordinate and regulate a wide range of functions and processes in both your brain and body
Brain Stem: regulating most of the body's automatic functions that are essential for life.
Cerebrum: initiates and coordinates movement and regulates temperature

Action Potential

a rapid sequence of changes in the voltage across a membrane

Axon

where electrical impulses from the neuron travel away to be received by other neurons

Dendrite

appendages that are designed to receive communications from other cells

Ion

an atom or molecule with a net electrical charge

Myelin Sheath

an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord

Neurologist

specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles

Neuron

information messengers

Neurotransmitter

a chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and, by diffusing across the synapse or junction, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure.

Reaction Time

a measure of the quickness with which an organism responds to some sort of stimulus

Reflex

an action that is performed as a response to a stimulus and without conscious thought

Synapse

small pocket of space between two cells, where they can pass messages to communicate

How does communication happen within the body?

through chemical and electrical signals that pass between cells

What is the basic structure and function of a neuron?

Dendrites: pick up signal
Axon: carry signal long distances
Myelin Sheath: insulates axon in the PNS
Nodes of Ranvier: allow nutrients in, waste out
Axon Terminals: branch to meet other neurons
Synapses: place one neuron connects to next
Synaptic Cleft: space between neurons
Neurotransmitters: chemicals that allow neurons to communicate with each other

How do the different types of neurons work together to send and receive signals?

Sensory neurons pick up signal from your senses, the intermediate neurons then transfer this signal from the sensory neuron to the motor neuron, and then the motor neuron turns that signal into movement

How are electrical impulses created in the human body?

Movement of these ions across the cell membrane generates an electrical pulse known as an action potential.

How do neurons convey information using both electrical and chemical signals?

First, within cells, electrical signals are conveyed along the cell membrane. Second, for communication between cells, the electrical signals generally are converted into chemical signals conveyed by small messenger molecules called neurotransmitters.

What factors impact our ability to react to a stimulus?

Age
Experience
Fitness
Fatigue
Distraction
Mood
Drugs
Alcohol
Tobacco
Poor vision
Poor hearing

How and why does reaction time differ in reflex and volutary action?

Reflex responses simply go to the spinal cord and don't involve the brain, so the reaction time is very fast while Voluntary responses must travel to the brain, take longer. The more thought that is required the slower the reaction time.

How do errors in communication impact homeostasis in the human body?

Negative feedback could result, bringing about responses that move the variable in the direction opposite to the direction of the change.

How can biomedical professionals help treat, cure and improve the quality of life of those suffering from nervous system disorders?

Neurologists specialize in the nervous system
Pharmacists dispense medication to patients
Nurses care for patients
Pharmacologists produce new medications
Researchers help understand causes and possible treatments
Brain Surgeons treat patients if surgery is possible
Psychiatrists treat patients if they are depressed
Physical Therapists help patients maintain movement

Alzheimer's

Occurs due to abnormal levels of protein clumps that form plaque which collects between neurons and disrupts cell functions. Causes mood swings, confusion, memory loss, and item misplacement. Has no cure but can be treated with Donezil.

ALS

Occurs due to the killing of motor neurons, and causes slurred speech, weakness in the hands and feet, and clumsiness. Has no cure and can only be treated with therapy and medication.

Epilepsy

Occurs due to overactive electrical discharges which disrupts the brain's normal electrical flow. it can cause convulsions, seizures, fear/anxiety, loss of consciousness, muscle stiffness, and confusion. It has no cure and can be treated with AED's and surgery.

Huntington's Disease

Occurs due to a genetic mutation that causes the breaking down of cells. It causes mood swings, depression, "dancing spells", and clumsiness. It has no cure and can only be treated with antidepressants and therapy.

Multiple Sclerosis

Occurs due to the immune system attacking the myelin sheath in the neurons. It can cause excessive fatigue, pins and needles in the feet and hands, and a weak and unbalanced feeling. It has no cure and can be treated with medications and therapy.

Parkinson's Disease

Occurs due to a loss of nerve cells/dopamine. It causes slow movements, a loss of balance, and tremors. It has no cure and can be treated with medications, therapy, and l-dopa.