Biological Bases of Behavior 2009-2010

Chapters In Textbook:

Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Assignments:

Outline Chapters 2 & 3
Subway Map Of The Human Nervous System & Endocrine System
PsychSim: Hemispheric Specialization
Neural Transmission Flipbook
Research Evaluation: One Brain Or Two?

Topic Summaries (if available):

Key Terms:

Quizlet(s): Chapter 2, Chapter 3

Test Information:

04. Draw and label a neuron. Then explain (in extreme detail) how neurons transmit a message. Be be sure to discuss how neurons are activated, how the message travels through the neuron, how the message is delivered to the next neuron, and how drugs can affect the neural transmission process.

05. Read the following story and describe which parts of the nervous system are activated in the individual described below.

Captain Thesaurus arrives at a building that is on fire. He first looks at the colorful, raging fire and says, “Wow! Look at that fire… that inferno… that blaze.” He raises his right hand to shield his face from the heat of the fire, saying, “That fire is hot… it’s blistering… it’s ovenlike… it’s scorching.” He hears cries for help, and his heart starts to beat faster. “Someone inside that building needs my help… my assistance… my aid!” After pausing to plan the best course of action, Captain Thesaurus rushes into the burning building and races up the stairs to save the day. As he enters the top room, he sees a young child and hears her crying. As he reaches out with his left hand, he says, “Take my hand. There’s not much time left. We must hurry… dash… hustle… make haste… rocket… scoot… rush… zip!” They make it out of the burning building safely. As he walks way and calms down, Captain Thesaurus voices, “All that rescuing sure makes a super hero hungry… famished… ravenous… starved… voracious… edacious.”

06. Describe the differences between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, explain the “problems” of split brains, and how researchers study split brain patients (detailed information is highly recommended).

Questions asked via email:

Q: I was studying the thalamus and didn't get the meaning of "brain's sensory switchboard." What is the switchboard trying to convey?
A: The thalamus "directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla" which means that information from touch, sound, etc. first passes through the thalamus and is then directed to the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex can then send a message through the thalamus to the cerebellum and medulla. It's like old fashioned telephones – there used to be an actual person who would connect your line to the person you wanted to call. If the touch receptors on my finger want to talk to my sensory cortex (in the cerebral cortex), the thalamus makes the connection, so to speak.

2009-2010 Test 2 MC Answers are attached below. :-)

Biological Bases of Behavior 2009-2010