Chapter 2: The Biological Perspective

Lufti thinks his high school is similar to the nervous system. The main hallway that runs from the front door straight through the main building is similar to the ________ nervous system, while the hallways that connect the various wings are similar to the _______ nervous system.

Central; Peripheral

Sofia has been experiencing a serious memory problem. An interdisciplinary team has ruled out a range of causes and believes that a neurotransmitter is involved. Which neurotransmitter is most likely involved in this problem?

Acetylcholine

Heroin mimics the actions of endorphins, inhibiting pain signals. Heroin is an example of a(n):

Agonist

Because they have similar chemical structures, morphine and heroin are able to lock into receptor sites for ________.

Endorphins

Pain-controlling chemicals in the body are called ________.

Endorphins

A specialized cell that makes up the nervous system that receives and sends messages within that system is called a ________.

Neuron

Jonas suffered a brain injury as a result of hitting his head while waterskiing. One of the problems that developed was that Jonas could not pronounce certain words correctly for a long period of time until he had extensive speech therapy; he can now speak as he did before his accident. This is an example of the brain's ________, which allowed the structure and function of his brain cells to change and adjust to the trauma.

Neuroplasticity

The branch of life sciences which involves the structure and function of the brain and nervous system is called ________.

Neuroscience

Which hormone has been dubbed the "love hormone" because of its role in bonding and affection between people?

Oxytocin

Hormones are chemicals that are secreted and go directly into ________.

The bloodstream

Neuroplasticity is most evident in which of the following circumstances?

When we learn something new or store new information

The term neurotransmitter refers to ________.

a chemical found in the synaptic vesicles that is released into the synapse

Reuptake is ________.

a process by which neurotransmitters are sucked back into the synaptic vesicles

Which part of the nervous system takes the information received from the senses, makes sense out of it, makes decisions, and sends commands out to the muscles and the rest of the body?

brain

Maximilian is in the hospital about to undergo a brain-imaging process that involves taking many X-rays from different angles aided by the use of a computer. What type of imaging technique is being used?

computed tomography (CT)

The term "fire" when referring to neural transmission indicates that a neuron:

has received, in its dendrites, appropriate inputs from other neurons.

Which of the following statements BEST encapsulates the relationship between stress and physical illness according to psychoneuroimmunologists?

Stress compromises the body's immune system, leaving a person vulnerable to illness.

The action potential causes neurotransmitters to be released into the ________.

Synapse

In order to study parts of an animal's brain, researchers may sometimes deliberately damage a part of the brain. They accomplish this by placing into the brain a thin insulated wire through which they send an electrical current that destroys the brain cells at the tip of the wire. This technique is called ________.

Lesioning

Felix is in the hospital and is about to undergo a brain-imaging process that involves placing him inside a magnetic field so that a computer can create three-dimensional images of his brain. What procedure is he about to undergo?

MRI

The hormone released by the pineal gland that reduces body temperature and prepares you for sleep is ________.

Melatonin

Which structure is like a locked door that only certain neurotransmitter keys can unlock?

Receptor sites

Ben has decided to seek medical help for mood disturbances and appetite problems. Which neurotransmitter is most likely involved in the problems Ben is experiencing?

Serotonin

Which neurotransmitter is associated with sleep, mood, and appetite?

Serotonin

Anika's physician refers her to a medical center in order to have the biochemical activity in her brain analyzed. She is given an injection of a radioactive glucose-like substance and then is told to lie down with her head in a scanner. The technique being used is ________.

positron emission tomography