PSY Chapter 2

In order for neurotransmitters to be released, an electrical impulse provides the basis for the conduction of an impulse along the axon of a neuron. This electrical impulse is called:

Action potential

The part of the brain most involved in memory and emotional responses, especially fear.

Amygdala

What part of the brain processes auditory and visual sensory information?

Midbrain

If someone refers to the central nervous system they are probably talking about the ____ and ___.

Brain and Spinal Cord

We have about 100 billion nerve cells known as neurons. The primary purpose of the neuron is to:

Communicate information

This part of the brain is vital to our basic life functions because it regulates functions like breathing and circulation. It is located at the base of the brain. What is this part of the brain called?

Hindbrain

The fatty substance that encases and insulates the axons is called the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath serves two purposes. One is insulation, so that the signals do not interfere with one another. What is the other purpose?

Increase the speed of the signal

The group of forebrain structures; involved in emotion, learning and memory is the:

Limbic system

Dendrites are root like structures attached to the cell body of a neuron. What is its purpose or function?

Receive information from other neurons

The pituitary gland secretes the growth hormone, prolactin, and anti-diuretic. It is a very important gland since it is involved in the rapid growth experienced during puberty and the production of milk after childbirth. The pituitary gland is also referred to as:

The master gland