Psychology
Biology and Behavior
Study Guide - Class Review Session
The Biology and Behavior unit test will be on Tuesday, Nov. 20th. There will be 25 multiple
choice questions and 3 out of 5 terms/case studies and a take home essay.
The Brain (module 4, pgs. 52-68/ 47-62)
1. Describe the function of the following lower - level brain structures:
medulla
reticular formation — keeps you awake and alert
thalamus
cerebellum
2. Describe the functions of the following limbic system structures:
amygdala
hypothalamus
hippocampus
3. Describe the functions of the following structures in the cerebral cortex:
frontal lobes
parietal lobes
temporal lobes
occipital lobes
motor cortex/strip
sensory cortex/strip
Broca’s area — produces speech
Wernicke’s area — comprehension of language
4. Is the brain capable of reorganizing itself if damaged? Explain your answer.
Plasticity: Brain’s ability to rebuild neural networks
Ex. Derek with the q-tip on the arm, felt it on his cheek
Children’s brains are better capable of plasticity
5. Describe the different specialized functions of the left hemisphere and right hemisphere.
Left Responsible for language (includes Broca’s area, Wernicke’s area), in charge of RIGHT
side of body (right visual field), logical/sequential (i.e. algebra), critical thinking,
mathematical calculations
Right In charge of LEFT side of body, creative thinking, spatial skills (i.e. geometry, Rubkis
cube, directions / a>b), holistic thinking (seeing the big picture), daydreaming, spiritual
thinking, facial recognition, artistic ability
6. What is the split brain and what does it reveal about the brain functioning?
Neural and Hormonal Systems (Module 3 pgs. 40 - 51/ 37-44)
1. What is a neuron? describe the function of the following parts of a neuron:
dendrites
cell body
axon
myelin sheath
synapse
action potential
2. Explain how a neuron fires using the following terms: polarized, all-or-none principle,
absolute threshold.
All-or-none — if threshold is reached, a neuron will fire at full strength; not reached, will not
fire. Yes or no.
3. What are neurotransmitters? Describe the functions of the following neurotransmitters:
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Dopamine
Serotonin
Norepinephrine
Endorphins
4. Draw a diagram of the major divisions of the nervous system.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Central Nervous System (CNS)
made up of brain & spinal cord
Somatic Nervous System
responsible for voluntary
movement; anything
you’re aware of
Sympathetic Nervous
System
Responsible for stress
functions; ready to fight or
flee
Autonomic Nervous
System
responsible for automatic
processing
Parasympathetic
Nervous System
Calms you down after
emergency
5. Compare the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
6. Describe the three main types of neurons:
7. Describe what happens in a simple reflex.
Ex. Knee reflex when hit
Sensory neuron —> interneuron —> motor neuron
8. Describe the Endocrine System and explain the purpose of the following glands:
Pituitary gland
Thyroid gland
Pineal gland
Adrenal glands
Pancreas
Ovaries
Testes
You should be able to describe the following case studies:
Phineas Gage
Viki ( split brain)
Derek (phantom brain)
David (impostor [parents)
Dr. Ramachandran
Essay question: (50 points, 4 paragraphs)
Evaluate the overall impact of neuroenhancers on Generation Y.
Introduction: describe the ‘drug culture’ of the 21st century. According to the articles
One Pill Makes You Larger and One Pill Makes You Small and Brain Gain what kinds of
drugs are widely available and used by college students and adults?
2nd paragraph: describe the individual and societal benefits associated with the
availability of these medications.
3rd paragraph: describe the individual and societal costs associated with the availability
of these medications.
Conclusion: explain and defend your position about the overall impact of 21st century
neuroenhancer use. As a society are we moving forward from the 1960s drug culture
expressed in Jefferson Airplane’s song White Rabbit?
One Pill Makes You Larger ~Review
Question #2: What are the three advances leading the revolution in psychopharmacology?
•Brain Mapping — PET Scans; Identifying different pathways for personal traits
•Identify which neural transmitters travel through pathways
•Specific neurotransmitters are responsible for specific emotions and characteristics
Describe (in detail) the physiology of...
a shy person
A person’s amygdala is oversensitive; too much norepinephrine
an impulsive person Too much norepinephrine; too little serotonin in frontal lobes (causes
person to forget about the consequences)
someone w/ ADD Too little norepinephrine
Ritalin acts as norepinephrine