Nick Lenz

08/30/16
Chapter 2 Discussion Questions
1. Which specialty studies the interaction of biology, behavior, and
mental processes?
Biopsychology
2. List some characteristics of nerve cell development?
You are born with many more neurons than you have in your adolescent
and adult life because you lose what you dont use. When adolescence
starts you maintain about the same amount of neurons until your cells
start to die naturally.
3. Define the theory of natural selection:
The theory that states the driving force behind evolution selects the
fittest organisms
4. Behavior consistently found in a species is likely to have a genetic
basis that evolved because the behavior has been adaptive. What are
some human behaviors that illustrate this concept?
The way that some humans are taller than others or that some have
better eyesight
5. Define genotype:
An organisms Genetic makeup
6. Define phenotype:
An organisms Observable physical and behavioral characteristics
7. Name one of your own characteristics that is part of your phenotype:
The color of my hair, The way I speak, and any and all of my personal
mannerisms
8. Give two examples of how genes affect psychological behavior; explain:
The way that we innately know how to search for our mothers breast, or
the way that we know how to make noises to get peoples attention before
we know how to speak. When we are born our brains are already
programmed with many innate instincts because of our evolution. We
have evolved to inherit those characteristics and behaviors.
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9. Define the human nervous system; what is its function?

The Nervous System is an extensive network of nerve cells Carrying
messages in pulses of electrical and chemical energy throughout the
body. Its function is to carry orders to the different parts of the body by
way of this extremely intricate network of Nerve cells.
10. What are the two communication systems of the body?
The Nervous and Endocrine Systems
11. Compare the endocrine and nervous systems in terms of how they
communicate information throughout the body.
The Nervous system is fast acting and is responsible for quick reactions
to certain situations i.e. quickly swerving away from a car coming head
on in your lane while you are driving. While the endocrine system is
alittle slower in action sends follow-up messages that support and
sustain the response initiated by the nervous system. In other words, the
endocrine system compliments the nervous system while the nervous
system remains in control.
12. Describe the structures and the function of the neuron.
The function of the neuron is to be a transmitter for the nervous system.
It is responsible for carrying the messages sent from the brain to the
triggers or vice versa.
13. Define action potential, resting potential, and refractory period.
1.The Nerve impulse cause by a change in the electrical charge across
the cell membrane of the axon The passage way for a neuron fire.
2. The electrical charge of the axon in its inactive state.
3. a period immediately following stimulation during which a nerve or

muscle is unresponsive to further stimulation.

14. What is meant by all or none?
The all-or-none law is a principle that states that the strength of a
response of a nerve cell or muscle fiber is not dependent upon the
strength of the stimulus. If a stimulus is above a certain threshold, a
nerve or muscle fiber will fire. Essentially, there will either be a full
response or there will be no response at all.
15. Linda stepped on a piece of glass and quickly pulled her foot away
from that sharp object. What three types of neurons are activated that
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allow Linda to pull her foot away?

The skin receptors, the sensory neuron, and the motor neuron
16. Neural signals travel along a neuron in what order?
Skin receptors, sensory neuron, motor neuron, interneuron, spinal cord,
pain message to brain sent to sensory cortex, sends signal to the muscle.

17. Describe the process of synaptic transmission.

4 steps:
1. Synthesis and storage of neurotransmitters
2. Neurotransmitter release
3. neurotransmitter postsynaptic receptors
4. Inactivation of neurotransmitters
18. What is brain plasticity?
The Brains ability to adapt or change as the result of experience.
Plasticity may also help the nervous system adapt to physical damage
19. What is neurogenesis?

the growth and development of nervous tissue.

20. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are three examples of
what type of chemical?
Neurotransmitter
21. Which endocrine glands produce hormones that energize your body
for "fight-or-flight" responses, and what is the hormone called?
The Adrenal Glands, Adrenaline.
22. When you type on a computer keyboard, which division of your
nervous system sends the instructions that control your fingers?
The sensory neuron
23. When you walk on a balance beam, which brain (or neural) structure
helps you maintain your equilibrium?
The Cerebellum
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24. What are the two halves of the cerebral cortex called?
Hemispheres
25. Discuss the phenomenon of cerebral dominance and contrast the
specialized functions of each of the two cerebral hemispheres.

the normal tendency for one side of the brain to control particular functions,
such as handedness and speech.

26. After being hit in the head by a baseball, Beverly had problems with
cognitive functioning, especially planning. Which of her cortical lobes
was most likely affected by this injury?
The Hippocampus
27. Damage to which hemisphere of the brain can result in problems
with spatial orientation?
The Thalamus
28. The part of the nervous system that does not include the brain and
spinal cord is called:
Pereipheral
29. What is the difference between the autonomic and somatic nervous
systems: Give an example of each
The Somatic is responsible for voluntary skeletal functions and while the
automatic handles involuntary functions
30. What are the differences between the sympathetic and
parasympathetic nervous systems?
The sympathetic handles how we deal emotionally with stress or anxiety
while the parasymtomatic is a physical reaction to stress and fear
31. Malcolm is studying alone in his room late at night when he hears a
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loud noise downstairs. His heartbeat increases significantly and his

breathing becomes shallow. He wonders if a burglar has entered the
house and decides to investigate. Which nervous system is reacting?
His sympathetic nerveous sysyem
32. When he gets downstairs he discovers his cat has knocked over a
plant stand. His body begins to relax and return to normal. Which part of
his nervous system is responsible for returning Malcolm to a normal
state?
The Limbic System
33. How does the endocrine system communicate within our bodies?
Hormones
34. What is an EEG and what does it measure?
Electroencephalogram, It measure the electrical activity of your brain
35. What is a PET scan and what does it measure?
Position emission tomography, Shows brain activity

36. What is a CT (or CAT) scan and what does it measure?

Computerized Tomography, creates digital images of the brain from xrays passed through the brain ant various angles.
37. What is an MRI and what does it measure?
Magnetic Resonance imaging, uses brief powerful pauses of magnetic
energy to create highly detailed pictures of the structure of the brain
39.Briefly define each one of the three layers of the brain:
The Central core: regulates basic life processes. The Limbic System: is
us, gives us emotions and feelings also helps regulate body temperature
and blood pressure. The Cerebral Cortex: Is where all of our other
funtions and memories are kept
40. List and briefly define the 4 lobes of the brain:
Frontal Lobe, Parietel lobe, Occipital lobe, and the temporal lobe 41.
41.Define cerebral dominance:
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the normal tendency for one side of the brain to control particular functions,
such as handedness and speech.

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