Neuroscience Basics and Brain Structures

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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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35 Terms

1
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What is a neuron?

A specialized cell that processes, stores, and transmits information throughout the body.

2
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What is the primary function of dendrites?

They receive messages from sensory receptors and other neurons.

3
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What vital role does the neuron's cell body (soma) play?

It contains the nucleus, generates energy, and is the lifeline of the cell.

4
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What does the axon do?

Carries neural impulses away from the cell body to the terminal buttons.

5
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Why is the myelin sheath important?

It is a fatty tissue that insulates the axon and speeds neural conduction.

6
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What is the function of terminal buttons?

They transmit messages to the next neuron across the synaptic cleft.

7
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Define neurotransmitters.

Chemicals released from terminal buttons that alter activity in receiving neurons.

8
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What structures make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

The brain and spinal cord.

9
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What do sensory neurons do?

Carry incoming information from sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.

10
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What is the role of motor neurons?

Carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.

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What does the somatic nervous system control?

Voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

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Which system controls glands and internal organs?

The autonomic nervous system.

13
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When is the sympathetic nervous system active?

During energy expenditure, danger, or high emotion—prepares the body for action.

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What is the main function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Conserves energy and calms the body after arousal.

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What does the cerebellum coordinate?

Motor behavior, balance, muscle coordination, and some learning & memory.

16
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Which brain region regulates heartbeat and breathing?

The medulla.

17
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What is the pons responsible for?

Connecting brainstem to cerebellum and aiding sleep, arousal, and movement signals.

18
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Why is the thalamus called the sensory switchboard?

It directs sensory messages to appropriate cortical areas and relays their replies.

19
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What is the hippocampus crucial for?

Formation, organization, and storage of memories.

20
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Which brain structure triggers fear and aggression?

The amygdala.

21
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List three functions controlled by the hypothalamus.

Eating, drinking, body temperature (also regulates the pituitary gland and reward).

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What is the cerebral cortex?

Wrinkled outer layer of the brain; the main information-processing center.

23
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Which lobe handles planning and high-level thought?

The frontal lobe.

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What is the main function of the parietal lobe?

Mediating attention.

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Where is visual processing carried out?

In the occipital lobe’s visual cortex.

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Which lobe processes sound and language?

The temporal lobe via the auditory cortex.

27
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What does contralateral organization mean?

Right brain controls left body and left brain controls right body.

28
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What is ablation in neuroscience?

Surgical removal of parts of the brain.

29
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How is deep lesioning performed?

By destroying targeted brain tissue with micro-electrodes.

30
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What does ESB stand for and do?

Electrical Stimulation of the Brain; uses mild electrical currents to activate brain tissue.

31
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What does an electroencephalogram (EEG) record?

Electrical brain waves to show activity, seizures, and consciousness states.

32
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How does an angiogram help doctors?

By using radioactive dye and X-ray to visualize blood flow and detect clots or ruptures.

33
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What does a CT scan produce?

Computer-assembled X-ray images revealing strokes, tumors, or injuries.

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Why is MRI often preferred over CT?

It uses magnetic fields to create clearer, cross-sectional brain images.

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What information does a PET scan provide?

Brain activity by tracking radioactive glucose, highlighting the most active regions.