Biological Bases of Behavior Flashcards

Which neurotransmitter is most associated with reward, motivation, and reinforcement learning?

Answer: Dopamine

Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter in the mesolimbic reward pathway, driving motivation and reinforcement.

The blood-brain barrier is primarily composed of which type of cells?

Answer: Astrocytes and endothelial cells

The blood-brain barrier is formed by tight junctions between endothelial cells, supported structurally by astrocytic end-feet.

What is the primary function of myelin sheaths surrounding axons?

Answer: Increase the speed of action potential conduction

Myelin acts as an insulator enabling saltatory conduction, which dramatically increases action potential speed.

Which brain structure is considered the master regulator of the endocrine system?

Answer: Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland via releasing hormones, making it the master regulator of the endocrine system.

During an action potential, which ion rushes INTO the neuron during depolarization?

Answer: Sodium (Na+)

Voltage-gated sodium channels open during depolarization, allowing Na+ to rush into the cell and raise the membrane potential.

Broca's area, critical for speech production, is located in which lobe?

Answer: Frontal lobe

Broca's area lies in the left inferior frontal gyrus and damage to it produces expressive (Broca's) aphasia.

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is active during a 'fight-or-flight' response?

Answer: Sympathetic division

The sympathetic nervous system releases norepinephrine and epinephrine to prepare the body for emergency action.