Download Assignment 1 - Gordon State College

Assignment 1
Introduction to Psychology
Name __________________________________
1. Communication in the nervous system takes place via _____________ or nerve cells.
2. The human brain is estimated to have (how many) _____________________neurons.
3. Cells that provide nutrition and support for neurons, remove waste products, and enhance the
speed of communication are called ______________________.
4. There are 3 types of neurons. ______________ neurons bring in information from the sense
and internal organs; ______________________ communicate information between neurons; and
________________ neurons communicate information from the brain to the muscles and glands.
5. The short neuron branches on which information comes in are called _______________.
6. The single, long tube that carries information from the neuron is the ____________.
In order to function properly, it must have a _______________ sheath.
7. Information is transmitted along axons as a brief (kind of energy) _____________ impulse
called an _____________ ______________.
8. When a neuron receives a minimal level of stimulation, called the stimulus _______________,
it will fire. This firing is self-sustaining and will continue once started. This is known as the
_____________________ law.
9. The point of communication between two neurons is called the ______________.
Communication across a tiny gap here is (type of energy) _______________ in nature.
10. Chemical messengers called ______________________ are manufactured and stored in
synaptic ______________ located in the terminal bulbs of axons.
11. Like a _______ in a _________, the molecular shape of the neurotransmitter must be a
precise match for the ______________ site on the dendrite of the next neuron.
12. Once the neurotransmitter molecule detaches from the receptor, it is reabsorbed by the
presynaptic neuron to be recycled. This process is called __________________.
13. Neurotransmitters that are not reabsorbed are destroyed by _________________.
14. A neurotransmitter that affects muscle contractions via motor neurons is
__________________________________.
15. ______________________ is a neurotransmitter that is involved in Parkinson’s Disease, but
also has to do with ____________ because of its connection to parts of the brain that cause
rewarding sensations.
16. The neurotransmitter ____________________ is involved with depression. Drugs like
_______________ increase its availability by blocking its reuptake.
17. The word “endorphins” is derived from the phrase “___________________
_______________.” Neurotransmitters in this group are the body’s natural painkillers and are
chemically similar to ___________________, an opiate drug often used to kill pain in hospitals.
18. A drug that mimics a neurotransmitter chemically and causing a message to be sent at a
receptor site is an _________________. A drug that blocks a receptor site and prevents firing is
an __________________.
19. The human nervous system has two main divisions, _______________ and
______________________.
20. The Central Nervous System is made up of the _________________ and the
____________ _________.
21. A nerve is made up of ________________ fibers and is often large enough to be seen with
the naked eye.
22. The Peripheral Nervous System is divided into the _________________ nervous system
which controls ________________ movements, and the ____________________ nervous
system which regulates ___________________ functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and
digestion.
23. The _________________________________ or _________ records brain electrical activity
sometimes known as “brainwaves.”
24. A ______________ scan produces an image of the brain’s structure using x-rays.
25. A ______________ scan generates images of brain activity using a small amount of
radioactive oxygen, glucose, or drugs.
26. The human brain begins its development as a fluid-filled ___________ _________ at about 2
weeks after conception.
27. Sensory information coming in from one side of the body _____________ ________ at the
hindbrain level.
28. In the Hindbrain, the _______________ lies directly above the spinal cord and controls
_________________ functions such as heart rate, breathing and digestion.
29. The _____________________ controls balance, muscle tone, and ________________
movements.
30. The reticular formation or reticular __________________ system functions in regulating
________________ and __________________.
31. The ___________________ is known as the “brain’s sensory switchboard” because
information from all the senses except smell goes through here to be relayed to the appropriate
part of the brain.
32. In the limbic system, the _______________________ plays a large role in the ability to form
and process new memories.
33. The ___________________ is associated with controlling emotional responses, especially
_____________ and _______________.
34. The ___________________________ is in charge of regulation of bodily functions in order
to keep them within allowable ranges (also called homeostasis). To do this, it produces both
hormones and neurotransmitters and influencing the endocrine system through the
__________________ gland.
35. The two hemispheres of the brain’s cerebral cortex and connected by a large band of
axon fibers called the _______________ ___________________.
36. Each of the two hemispheres of the cortex is divided into four lobes. The
________________ lobes, located near the temples, are the location of the Primary
__________________ Cortex. The _____________________ lobe, at the very back, is the site
of the Primary ________________ Cortex.
37. On the top, the __________________ lobe has a band of tissue called the
_____________________________ cortex which is involved in processing bodily sensation like
touch, temperature, and pressure.
38. At the very front, the _____________lobes are the location of the Primary ____________
Cortex, where voluntary movements are initiated.
39. The remaining bulk of the cerebral cortex is devoted to large ___________________ areas
thought to be involved in processing and integrating sensory and motor information.
40. As we see that the brain performs most activities in an integrated fashion, we note two
locations on the cortex that are associated with the complex behavior of speech. People with
damage to __________________ area can understand words, but cannot form them. People with
damage to __________________ are can quickly form speech, but their speech may not make
sense, and they cannot understand the speech of others.