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AP Psychology
Unit 2 Study Guide
Biological Bases of Behavior
1. In the 1800's Franz Gall invented the study of phrenology. What is phrenology
and what
positive outcomes evolved from this study? (Myers)
2. Define neuron and explain the parts found in each cell
a. dendrite
b. cell body
c. axon
d. myelin sheath
3. Explain the neuron firing called action potential. Include ions, resting potential,
depolarizing, and refractory period in your response.
4. Describe threshold, the combined signals that trigger an impulse, and include
excitatory, inhibitory, and all-or-nothing response in your answer.
5. Using figure 2.3 on page 49, explain how neurons communicate. Be sure to
include synapse and neurotransmitters in your response.
6. Describe each of the following neurotransmitters:
a. dopamine
b. serotonin
c. norepinephrine
d. (GABA) Gamma-amniobutyric acid
e. acetylcholine (Ach)
7. What are the two examples of poison that affect Ach transmission and what does each do?
8. What are the opiate receptors that we naturally produce and what is their purpose?
9. Give two examples of how drugs and other chemicals alter neurotransmission.
10. What are agonists and antagonists?
11. What is the primary communication system of the body?
12. The CNS is made up of what parts?
13. The PNS is made up of what?
14. Describe the three types of neurons:
a. sensory neurons
b. motor neurons
c. interneurons
15. Describe the parts of the peripheral nervous system:
a. somatic nervous system
b. autonomic nervous system
c. sympathetic nervous system
16. Using figure 2.6 on page 55 in the MYERS book, summarize the nervous system
17. The central nervous system is made up of the spinal cord and brain. Explain
the pathway from sensory receptor to reflex.
18. Define the brainstem and describe the following parts:
a. medulla
b. reticular formation
19. Why is the thalamus often thought to be part of the brainstem, and what is its
function?
20. Where is the cerebellum located, and what is its function?
21. Identify the four parts of the limbic system and describe the function of each
22. The cerebral cortex is the area 1/10 of an inch all around the cerebrum; it is
our body's _______________________________________________________
23. Describe and locate the structures found in the cortex. See the following:
a. glial cells
b. parietal cells
c. frontal lobe
d. temporal lobe
e. occipital lobe
24. Describe the structure and motor functions of the motor cortex.
25. Research studies on the motor cortex have given much information on brain
function. Give one example
26. What is the job and location of the sensory cortex?
27. What other cortex areas does the brain receive information from?
28. The association areas in the frontal lobe allow us to _____________________
29. How might a lesion affect brain function?
30. What is an EEG and for what purpose is it used?
31. Describe each of the following neuroimaging techniques:
a. CT--computerized tomography
b. MRI--magnetic resonance imaging
c. PET--positron emissions tomography
d. fMRI--functional MRI
32. Damage to a cortical area can cause aphasia. What is aphasia and explain the
disabilities it might cause.
33. Describe the work completed by Paul Broca.
34. Describe Wernicke's Area.
35. What structure communicates between the two hemispheres of the brain?
36. Explain the difference between the two hemispheres and give 3 examples of
function from each hemisphere.
37. Is handedness inherited? Why/why not?
38. Identify the hazards or problems faced by left-handed individuals
39. What is plasticity of the brain, and when is our brain the most plastic and why?
40. Explain split brain surgery and how effective it is.
41. Define the following, including location, hormone released, and function:
Also see diagrams on pages 77-78
a. endocrine system
b. hormones
c. hypothalamus
d. adrenal gland
e. pituitary gland
f. thyroid gland
g. parathyroid gland
h. pancreas
i. ovary
j. testes