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35 question-and-answer flashcards covering neuron anatomy, nervous system divisions, brain structures, and key neuroscience research methods.
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What is a neuron?
A specialized cell that processes, stores, and transmits information throughout the body.
What is the primary function of dendrites?
They receive messages from sensory receptors and other neurons.
What vital role does the neuron's cell body (soma) play?
It contains the nucleus, generates energy, and is the lifeline of the cell.
What does the axon do?
Carries neural impulses away from the cell body to the terminal buttons.
Why is the myelin sheath important?
It is a fatty tissue that insulates the axon and speeds neural conduction.
What is the function of terminal buttons?
They transmit messages to the next neuron across the synaptic cleft.
Define neurotransmitters.
Chemicals released from terminal buttons that alter activity in receiving neurons.
What structures make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
The brain and spinal cord.
What do sensory neurons do?
Carry incoming information from sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.
What is the role of motor neurons?
Carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.
What does the somatic nervous system control?
Voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
Which system controls glands and internal organs?
The autonomic nervous system.
When is the sympathetic nervous system active?
During energy expenditure, danger, or high emotion—prepares the body for action.
What is the main function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Conserves energy and calms the body after arousal.
What does the cerebellum coordinate?
Motor behavior, balance, muscle coordination, and some learning & memory.
Which brain region regulates heartbeat and breathing?
The medulla.
What is the pons responsible for?
Connecting brainstem to cerebellum and aiding sleep, arousal, and movement signals.
Why is the thalamus called the sensory switchboard?
It directs sensory messages to appropriate cortical areas and relays their replies.
What is the hippocampus crucial for?
Formation, organization, and storage of memories.
Which brain structure triggers fear and aggression?
The amygdala.
List three functions controlled by the hypothalamus.
Eating, drinking, body temperature (also regulates the pituitary gland and reward).
What is the cerebral cortex?
Wrinkled outer layer of the brain; the main information-processing center.
Which lobe handles planning and high-level thought?
The frontal lobe.
What is the main function of the parietal lobe?
Mediating attention.
Where is visual processing carried out?
In the occipital lobe’s visual cortex.
Which lobe processes sound and language?
The temporal lobe via the auditory cortex.
What does contralateral organization mean?
Right brain controls left body and left brain controls right body.
What is ablation in neuroscience?
Surgical removal of parts of the brain.
How is deep lesioning performed?
By destroying targeted brain tissue with micro-electrodes.
What does ESB stand for and do?
Electrical Stimulation of the Brain; uses mild electrical currents to activate brain tissue.
What does an electroencephalogram (EEG) record?
Electrical brain waves to show activity, seizures, and consciousness states.
How does an angiogram help doctors?
By using radioactive dye and X-ray to visualize blood flow and detect clots or ruptures.
What does a CT scan produce?
Computer-assembled X-ray images revealing strokes, tumors, or injuries.
Why is MRI often preferred over CT?
It uses magnetic fields to create clearer, cross-sectional brain images.
What information does a PET scan provide?
Brain activity by tracking radioactive glucose, highlighting the most active regions.