WGU Neuropsychology Pre-Assessment Notes

Surface Control of Substances: The part of a cell that appears as the surface and controls which substances flow into the cell is called the Membrane.
- Ribosome: Synthesizes proteins.
- Mitochondrion: Produces energy (ATP).
- Nucleus: Stores genetic material.

Presynaptic Terminal: Structure lined with synaptic receptors to receive messages from other neurons.
Structure containing ribosomes linking amino acids:
- Correct Answer: Soma.
Myelin Sheath: Has interruptions known as nodes of Ranvier that help propagate electrical signals.
Dendrite: Receives signals from other neurons.
Axon: Point at which the axon releases chemicals to cross to another cell.
Schwann Cells: Produce myelin sheaths for insulating certain vertebrate axons in the peripheral nervous system.
Oligodendrocytes: Glial cells that remove toxic materials in areas of brain damage.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Controls movements and organ activity for all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord.
Somatic Nervous System: Conveys messages between CNS and peripheral muscles or sense organs.
Sympathetic Nervous System: Responds to perceived threats; prepares body for ‘fight or flight’.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: Facilitates vegetative, non-emergency responses; often called the rest and digest system.
Enteric Nervous System: Controls digestive system.

Hippocampus: Critical for memories of individual events.
Cerebral Cortex: Different lobes with distinct functions:
- Frontal Lobe: Controls cognition, planning, and decision-making.
- Temporal Lobe: Involved in hearing and language comprehension.
- Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information from touch receptors.
- Occipital Lobe: Responsible for vision.

Electroencephalograph (EEG): Measures electrical activity in the brain.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): Traces brain activity from its source to other areas.
Magnetoencephalograph (MEG): Provides information about the location of brain activity.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Offers detailed images of brain structures.

Pupil: The adjustable part of the eye that focuses light.
Cornea: The nonadjustable part of the eye that focuses light.
Foveal Vision: Specialized for acute detail; distinguished among bright lights and has a low response to dim light due to concentration of cones.
Retina: Contains rods (abundant in peripheral vision) and cones (responsible for color detail).

Sensory Adaptation: Phenomenon where constant stimuli become less noticeable over time (e.g., a tool belt's weight).
Proprioceptors: Detect stretch and tension of muscles; essential for knowing body's position.
Somatosensory Cortex: Maps sensory information from different body parts.

Neuroplasticity: Brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections.
Motor Planning: Involved when a child experiences issues with tasks such as tying shoelaces.
Declarative Memory: Divided into Episodic (personal experiences) and Semantic (factual information).
Procedural Memory: Skills and actions (e.g., riding a bike).

Alzheimer's Disease: Characterized by memory loss, confusion, and brain atrophy.
Parkinson’s Disease: Results from the gradual loss of dopamine-releasing neurons.
Dyslexia: Associated with difficulty in reading; not language-specific and occurs in all languages.
Schizophrenia: Treatment commonly includes antipsychotic medication; characterized by symptoms like hallucinations and disconnection from reality.

Agonist Drug: Mimics the effects of neurotransmitters, enhancing their action.
Amphetamines: Increase dopamine release in the brain, associated with addiction behaviors.
Exercise and Cognitive Function: Regular physical activity can enhance cognitive function through neurogenesis and improved blood flow to the brain.

Cortisol: A significant hormone in the stress response; often elevated in chronic stress and depression.

Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation can increase the risk of mental health disorders, suggesting a complex relationship between physical and mental health.