Module 3 Study Guide
As you read “Introduction to Neural Communication” briefly summarize your understanding of the following learning objectives:
⦁ Explain the role and function of the basic structures of a neuron
⦁ Describe how neurons communicate with each other
⦁ Explain how drugs act as agonists or antagonists for a given neurotransmitter system
Define important Vocabulary from “Introduction to Neural Communication”
As you read “Introduction to Parts of the Brain” briefly summarize your understanding of the following learning objectives
⦁ Explain the relationship between the two hemispheres of the brain
⦁ Identify the location and function of the lobes of the brain
Define important Vocabulary from “Introduction to Parts of the Brain”
As you read “Introduction to Nature and Nurture” briefly summarize your understanding of the following learning objectives
⦁ Examine the historic nature vs. nurture debate
⦁ Explain the basic principles of the theory of evolution by natural selection, genetic variation, and mutation
⦁ Describe epigenetics and examine how gene-environment interactions are critical for the expression of physical and psychological characteristics
Define important Vocabulary from “Introduction to Nature and Nurture”
Solution
Module 3 Study Guide
“Introduction to Neural Communication”
⦁ Explain the role and function of the basic structures of a neuron
Neurons are the structural unit forming the nervous system in our body. Cell body, axon, and dendrites are the three distinct components of a neuron having different and distinguished functionality. The cell body carries the neural matrix having important genetic and metabolic information of the neuron and maintains its structural integrity. Axon, on the other hand, is shielded by the myelin sheath along its length which acts as an insulator while conducting electrical neural signals from one neuron to another. Dendrites arising from the neural bodies act as receivers of electrical signals and modulate them accordingly (Wardlaw et al., 2020).
⦁ Describe how neurons communicate with each other
Neurons make communication through electrical signals carefully conducted by bodily chemicals known as neurotransmitters like acetylcholine. The intersection between two neurons holds the place for neurotransmitters which are released upon reaching a saturation potential known as ‘action potential’. They carry the nervous information from one neuron to another.
⦁ Explain how drugs act as agonists or antagonists for a given neurotransmitter system
Drugs that act as agonists work by interacting with the cognate receptors present at the synaptic cleft and enhancing the impact of the neurotransmitters on the nervous system. On the other hand, agonists follow the same route of action as agonists but have a negative or reducing effect on the activity of neurotransmitters.
Define important Vocabulary from “Introduction to Neural Communication”
⦁ axon: Axon is shielded by the myelin sheath along its length which acts as an insulator while conducting electrical neural signals from one neuron to another.
⦁ dendrite: Dendrites arising from the neural bodies act as receivers of electrical signals and modulate them accordingly.
⦁ glial cell: It forms a non-neuronal structure and provides structural and metabolic integrity to neurons.
⦁ myelin sheath: Myelin sheath runs along the length which acts as an insulator while conducting electrical neural signals from one neuron to another.
⦁ neuron: It is the anatomical unit of our brain and is liable for transporting electrical signals across the nervous system.
⦁ neurotransmitter: Neurons make communication through electrical signals carefully conducted by bodily chemicals known as neurotransmitters like acetylcholine. The intersection between two neurons holds the place for neurotransmitters which are released upon reaching a saturation potential known as ‘action potential’. They carry the nervous information from one neuron to another.
⦁ action potential: It is associated with the rapid changes in the voltage across the cellular membrane resulting in the transportation of electrical signals.
⦁ agonist: Agonists work by interacting with the cognate receptors present at the synaptic cleft and enhancing the impact of the neurotransmitters on the nervous system.
⦁ Antagonist: Agonists follow the same route of action as agonists but have a negative or reducing effect on the activity of neurotransmitters.
⦁ synapse: A gap situated at the intersection of two neurons aiding signal transduction in the nervous system.
⦁ terminal button: Present at the endpoint of the neurons and act as a powerhouse for neurotransmitter storage.
“Introduction to Parts of the Brain”
⦁ Explain the relationship between the two hemispheres of the brain
An array of neural fibers adjoining both the hemispheres of the brain, known as the corpus callosum act as a medium of communication between them. They are abundant in axons.
⦁ Identify the location and function of the lobes of the brain
The frontal lobe deals with the cognition power and volunteer activities of the brain. The parietal lobe operates on given information about the surroundings and environment like taste or touch, whereas the occipital lobe processes visual information. The temporal lobe is the one responsible for the integration of sensations.
Define important Vocabulary from “Introduction to Parts of the Brain”
⦁ corpus callosum: Cluster of nerve fibers with dense axons between the two hemispheres of the brain.
⦁ Lateralization: Concentration of cognitive function on one side of the brain.
⦁ auditory cortex: It lies within the temporal lobe and is associated with processing and delivering auditory information.
⦁ Broca’s area: It lies within the inferior frontal lobe and is associated with speech processing.
⦁ cerebral cortex: It occupies the larger part of the brain and has a primary role in cognition and behavior.
⦁ frontal lobe: It is situated behind our forehead area and has a defining role in controlling our personality and behavior.
⦁ motor cortex: The motor cortex is the guardian of voluntary movement that produces electric and neural signals coordinating the movements of our body.
⦁ occipital lobe: It has a role in processing visual data and coordinates the caudal portion of our brain.
⦁ parietal lobe: The data which is received from the environment is accepted through the parietal lobe of the brain which act as the sensory center of the brain.
⦁ prefrontal cortex: It is the cognition center of the brain.
⦁ somatosensory cortex: It is also the sensory center of the cell that receives and processes the information of the body.
⦁ temporal lobe: It regulates and processes visual output and memory organization and integration of our body.
⦁ Wernicke’s area: It is nested within the boundaries of the temporal lobe and has a great impact on processing language inputs.
“Introduction to Nature and Nurture”
⦁ Examine the historic nature vs. nurture debate
This debate has been a burning topic in psychology since the dawn of time. It is based on how the genetic and environmental factors contribute relatively in the process of human evolution. For example, if someone abuses his or her partner, it becomes a point of question whether it is a result of something he or she is born with or observed from his or her surroundings.
⦁ Explain the basic principles of the theory of evolution by natural selection, genetic variation, and mutation
Evolution progresses by acknowledging the variations that exist amongst different organisms and naturally selects the best fit for survival in the changing environmental surroundings. Mutations acquired throughout the lifetime either by reproduction or accidental events help organisms to cope with the changing environment by encouraging adaptation (Brockhurst et al., 2019).
⦁ Describe epigenetics and examine how gene-environment interactions are critical for the expression of physical and psychological characteristics
Epigenetics looks past the dogmatic concept of genetic inheritance in describing a particular phenomenon, rather encouraging the role of gene-environment interactions playing behind the curtain in modifying physical and psychological outcomes. Environmental surroundings mask and modify the expression of genes in such a way that similar genotype is expressed in different ways and through different phenotypes.
Define important Vocabulary from “Introduction to Nature and Nurture”
⦁ adoption study: It deals with the effect of factors determined by genetics and being received from environmental cues on selecting the behavioral and psychological outcome of a person.
⦁ behavioral genetics: It uses genetic methods to investigate the behavioral modifications in a person.
⦁ twin studies: It is a behavioral research conducted on twin candidates.
⦁ genetic environmental correlation: The impact of environmental cues on genetic determinants.
⦁ theory of evolution by natural selection: Evolution progresses by acknowledging the variations that exist amongst different organisms and naturally selects the best fit for survival in the changing environmental surroundings
⦁ epigenetics: Epigentics looks past the dogmatic concept of genetic inheritance in describing a particular phenomenon, rather encourages the role of gene-environment interactions playing behind the curtain in modifying physical and psychological outcome (Cavalli & Heard, 2019).
References:
Brockhurst, M. A., Harrison, E., Hall, J. P., Richards, T., McNally, A., & MacLean, C. (2019). The ecology and evolution of pangenomes. Current Biology, 29(20), R1094-R1103.
Cavalli, G., & Heard, E. (2019). Advances in epigenetics link genetics to the environment and disease. Nature, 571(7766), 489-499.
Wardlaw, J. M., Benveniste, H., Nedergaard, M., Zlokovic, B. V., Mestre, H., Lee, H., … & Black, S. E. (2020). Perivascular spaces in the brain: anatomy, physiology and pathology. Nature Reviews Neurology, 16(3), 137-153.
