2 - Brain and Behavior
1. Name the basic unit of the nervous system, state what it is specifically designed to do, and list and
describe its four parts.
2. Explain how a nerve impulse (action potential) occurs and how it is an all-or-nothing event.
3. Describe the difference between the nature of a nerve impulse and the nature of the communication between neurons.
4. Define the terms synapse and neurotransmitter.
5. Explain how information is carried from one neuron to another at the synapse.
6. Explain what determines whether a neuron will have an action potential triggered.
7. Explain the function of neuropeptides.
8. Differentiate a nerve from a neuron.
9. Describe the effect of myelin on the speed of the nerve impulse.
10. Define the term neurilemma.
11. Explain what determines whether a nerve will regenerate. Briefly tell what the term neurogenesis means.
12. Chart the various subparts of the human nervous system and generally explain their functions.
13. Differentiate between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system.
14. Describe the function of the spinal cord. Explain the difference between spinal nerves and cranial nerves.
15. Explain the mechanism of the reflex arc.
16. List and describe five techniques for studying the brain. Briefly describe how EEG works.
17. Describe each of the three scanning techniques for studying the entire brain as it functions.
18. Describe the main difference between the brains of lower and higher animals. Name what appears to be the foundation of human intellectual superiority. Describe the main difference between the brains of people who score high versus low on mental tests.
19. Differentiate between the cerebrum and the cerebral cortex. Define the term corticalization.
20. Define the term cerebral hemisphere and explain the function of the corpus callosum. Describe the problem known as spatial neglect.
21. Explain how and why a split-brain operation is done. Describe the resulting effects of such an operation.
22. Differentiate the abilities of the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex. Describe what is known about their working together as well as how they process information.
23. Describe the function(s) of each of the following:
a. occipital lobes
b. parietal lobes (include the somatosensory areas)
c. temporal lobes
d. frontal lobes (include the motor cortex)
e. association areas (include Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas)
24. Explain the relationship between the size of the various parts of the somatosensory and motor areas of the cortex and the degree of sensitivity or importance of the corresponding body parts.
25. Describe the cause and effect of aphasia. Explain why there may be gender differences in aphasia following brain injuries.
26. List and be able to recognize the three areas of the subcortex.
27. Explain the function of each of the parts of the subcortex:
a. hindbrain (brainstem)
1. medulla
2. cerebellum
3. reticular formation
b. forebrain
1. thalamus
2. hypothalamus
28. Name the structures that comprise the limbic system and explain its function (include a description of the function of the amygdala and the hippocampus). Briefly describe the significance of “pleasure” and “aversive” areas in the limbic system.
29. Briefly explain the purpose of the endocrine system. Describe the action of hormones in the body.
30. Describe the effect that the following glands have on the body and behavior:
a. pituitary (include a description of giantism, hypopituitary dwarfism, and acromegaly)
b. pineal
c. thyroid (include a description of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism)
d. adrenal medulla
e. adrenal cortex (include a description of virilism, premature puberty, and the problems of
anabolic steroids)
31. Describe the relationship among handedness, brain dominance, and speech. Discuss whether handedness is inherited.
32. Explain how a person can determine which hemisphere is dominant.
33. State the incidence of left-handedness and discuss the relative advantages and/or disadvantages of being right-handed versus left-handed.
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