Katie Dewey
04/30/13
Katherine.dewey@can
yonsdistrict.org
CHAPTER: Biology Of The Mind - Ch. 2 - Neuroscience
Assignment 4.2
Divide in to teams of 4. One member of the team will upload this assignment in
Google Docs and share it with the other members of the team and the instructor.
When the team has completed the assignment one member of the team will upload
the document to the instructor under the “submit assignments” tab.
1. Define biological psychology. Psychology, 10th Edition pages: Pg. 61-63
• Biological Psychology: A branch of psychology concerned with the links between
biology and behavior
2. Describe the various methods used to explore the brain.
Psychology, 10th Edition pages: Pg. 49-55
• Clinical Observation: This method is perhaps the oldest method of studying the
brain. Basically the scientists would study the effects of diseases or injuries to the
brain. This was largely an external observation of behaviors.
• Manipulating the Brain: Using magnetism or electricity, scientists can stimulate
parts of the brain and record the effects. This means they can study a brain free of
injury or disease.
• Recording the Brain’s Electrical Activity: Using an EEG brain waves can be
studied and abnormalities identified as the waves are isoloated.
• Neuroimaging Techniques: Using a PET scan, scientists can view an image of the
brain. They can se what areas “light up” when given a stimulus like a familiar
name or picture. The MRI scan provides images of the brain using magnetism.
An fMRI shows function and structure of the brain.
3. Insert a diagram of a motor neuron. Using textboxes, label the components of a motor
neuron. (see below)
4. Explain the function of afferent (sensory), efferent (motor) and interneurons
(http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/intro/inpsych/sylvius_brain/sylvius.swf)
• According to the diagram, Afferent interneurons’ signals travel to the spinal cord
from the muscle and Efferent interneurons’ signals travel away from the spinal
cord toward the muscle.
5. Describe the electrochemical process behind a neural impulse. – feel free to use a
diagram if you prefer. Be sure to include: resting potential, threshold, action potential,
depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization and the role of sodium and
potassium in creating this electrochemical reaction. (To see real time animation of
this concept go to http://www.interactive-biology.com/99, scroll down to the “action
potential propagation” animation. Pay special attention to distance at the bottom of
the animation as it relates to ionic exchange.)
• Neuron stimulation causes a brief change in electrical charge. If the stimulation is
powerful enough, the result is depolarization and a change from resting potential
to an action potential (electrical impulse).
• The depolarization produces another action potential further down the axon. The
door is open in this area of the axon and charged sodium atoms rush in. While
this is happening, the sodium/potassium pump transport the sodium ions back out
of the cell.
• As the action potential continues speedily down the axon, the first section has
now completely recharged.
6. Explain how two neurons communicate. Be sure to include, presynaptic terminal
(terminal branches or terminal buttons), neurotransmitters, synapse, post-synaptic
membrane (dendrites) and receptor sites. Be sure to explain how neurotransmitters
communicate information.
• Action potentials, travel down a neuron’s axon until it reaches the junction known
as a synapse. The dendrites link the neurons to one another and the following
occurs when these signals are sent from one receptor site to another. They must
cross the post-synaptic membrane to do this.
• When the action potential reaches the axon terminal, it stimulates the release of
neurotransmitter molecules. They then cross the synaptic gap and bind to
receptor sites on the receiving neuron. The electrically charged atoms enter the
receiving neuron and excite or inhibit a new action potential.
• The sending neuron will usually reabsorb excess neurotransmitter molecules- this
is called reuptake. This occurs across the synaptic gap between neurons.
7. For the following neurotransmitters, identify function and location
(http://facultypages.morris.umn.edu/~ratliffj/psy1051/brain_overheads.htm#8) :
a. Acetylcholine- neuromuscular junctions, released by parasympathetic system,
deals with memory, sensory processing, and motor coordination
b. Dopamine- regulation of hormonal balance, voluntary movement, and reward
i. Differentiate between the Serotonin and Dopamine pathways.Dopamine deals with voluntary actions, while serotonin works with
impulses and more instinctual behavior. They are very similar.
c. Serotonin- sleep and emotional arousal, impulse control, cognition, pain
processing
i. How do Prozac type chemicals affect serotonin levels in the brain?they even out some of the spikes in hormones that can disrupt the
functions listed above.
d. Norepinephrine- released by the sympathetic n.s., ‘fight or flight’ response,
positive mood and reward, orienting and alerting responses, and basic instincts
(sex, eating, thirst)
e. GABA-Primary CNS inhibitory transmitter
f. Glutamate- Primary CNS excitatory transmitter
g. Endorphins- Pain control, mood and memory, effects on temperature,
digestion, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems
8. What is the role of an agonist? Give an example of an agonist.
• Agonists mimic the roles of neurotransmitters. One example is that of morphine.
It mimics the action of endorphins.
9. What is the role of an antagonist? Give an example of an antagonist.
Pg. 55-59
• Antagonists block neurotransmitters. One example is Curare poisoning can
paralyze its victims by blocking motor muscle movement.
10. Explain the structure and function of each of the nervous systems main divisions:
a. Central Nervous System- This system connects the peripheral nervous system
to the brain by way of the spinal cord.
b. Peripheral Nervous System- This system includes all nervous function leading
to the spinal cord.
i. Autonomic Nervous System- controls the glands and muscles of our
internal organs.
1. Sympathetic Nervous System- if a person is alarmed, enraged,
or challenged, this system will accelerate heartbeat, raise blood
pressure, slow digestion, raise blood sugar, and cool with
perspiration (making the body ready for action).
2. Parasympathetic Nervous System- this system calms the body
by reducing the heart rate, lowering blood sugar, and so forth.
ii. Somatic Nervous System- this system allows voluntary control of the
skeletal muscles
11. What is the function of a reflex arc and how does it work?
• The reflex arc allows the body to produce automatic responses to stimuli that
would damage it. These signals and actions are facilitated without the brain. The
book said that a “headless, warm body could do it”.
12. What is a neural network? Provide an analogy. Psychology, 10th Edition pages: Pg.
64-75
• A neural network is a cluster of neurons that work together. The analogy of the
city provided in the book establishes this concept. More can be done when
different entities work together.
13. Using the PsychSim 5 Tutorial: Brain & Behavior
(http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/myers10e/#t_746145____) or
http://www.g2conline.org/?gclid=CNPjh5GgqKsCFQNggwod_gPS5w Explain the
function of each of the following:
a. Hindbrain
i. Brain Stem- the innermost region of the brain- beginning with the
spinal cord entering the skull and ending in the center of the head (in
the brain)
ii. Medulla- the area where the spinal cord enlarges as it enters the brain.
It controls breathing and heartbeat and is the point where nerves going
to and from each side of the brain cross over to connect with the
opposite side of the body.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
iii. Pons- (Latin for bridge) sits atop the medulla. It regulates breathing
and blood flow. It also has a role in sleep and dreaming.
iv. Reticular Formation- a narrow band of fibers that runs up through the
middle of the medulla and pons. It controls alertness and attention.
v. Cerebellum- located behind the medulla and pons at the base of the
skull. It coordinates balance and voluntary muscle movements. It is
also involved in learning and memory.
Forebrain
i. Thalamus- it is on top of the midbrain. This is the sensory
switchboard, it routes information coming from all of the senses
(except smell).
ii. Limbic System- involved in emotion and forms of memory (the old
part of the brain)
a. Hypothalamus- regulates hunger, thirst, body
temperature, and sexual behavior
b. Amygdala- influences aggression and fear
c. Hippocampus- involved in memory, if damaged, new
memories could be lost due to a loss of ability to create
them.
d. Pituitary gland- influences hormone release by other
glands
iii. Cerebral Cortex- the newest part of the brain that allows for the most
complex of human behaviors.
iv. What role do glial cells play in the cerebral cortex?- They transport
nutrients, manufacture the myelin sheath, and influence the
transmission of messages across the synapse
http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/intro/inpsych/sylvius_brain/sylvius.
swf
Frontal Lobes- top front, behind the forehead, motor cortex controls
movements such as moving a finger or taking a step.
Parietal Lobes- top rear of the brain have the somatosensory cortex which
processes information from the skin, muscles, and joints.
Occipital Lobes- at the rear of the brain near the bottom- processes with the
visual cortex that makes vision possible.
Temporal Lobes- on the side of the brain, near the bottom (behind the
temple)- contain the auditory cortex which processes hearing
Motor Cortex
i. Why do the fingers and mouth take up the greatest amount of cortical
space?
Sensory Cortex- located in the parietal lobes- process information about the
skin, muscles and joints
i. Why do the lips take up greater space then other body parts? They
have lots of sensory nerves and are needed for eating and
communicating.
i. Association Areas- communicate with one another and with sensory and
motor areas.
14. Give an example that demonstrates the brains plasticity. Give an example that
demonstrates the limitations of plasticity in the brain. What role does neurogenesis
play in plasticity?
• When blind people use one finger to read braille, the brain enhances the sensory
ability of that finger to detect the differences in braille to a greater degree. The
brain adapts after injury. When a limb is removed, the sensors that were tied to
that limb join other sensors.
Using the PsychSim 5 Tutorial: Hemispheric Specialization, address questions 15 & 16.
(http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/myers10e/#t_746145____)
15. Compare and contrast the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Explain how the
two hemispheres communicate with each other.
• Each hemisphere is primarily connected to the opposite side of the body. The
auditory pathway is also opposite. If a sound is heard in the right ear, it travels to
the left side of the brain. The same is true for the visual pathway
16. Reference split-brain research and explain what we have learned about the brain from
this research.
• That most people with the connection severed would be able to name the object
in their right hand (if blindfolded) if the person was right handed. If they were
left handed they would not. The severed connection would keep the
hemispheres from communicating and would cause this confusion if the visual
pathways are not used because of a blindfold.
17. Compare and contrast the nervous system and the endocrine system.
• The endocrine system deals with glands and hormones that are involuntarily
released. The nervous system helps to translate those hormones into actionsome voluntary, some not.
Psychology, 10th Edition pages: Pg. 59-60
18. Identify the location and explain the function of each of the following endocrine
glands:
a. Pituitary Gland- secretes hormones of different kinds that affect other glands,
found in the brain
b. Thyroid Gland- affects metabolism and some other things, found in the neck
c. Parathyroids- regulate the level of calcium in the blood, found in the neck
d. Adrenal Glands- trigger the ‘fight or flight’ response, found near the kidneys
e. Pancreas- regulates the level of sugar in the blood, an organ found near the
kidneys
f. Ovaries- secretes female hormones, found in the groin region
g. Testes- secretes male hormones, found in the groin region