Psychology, A Journey 3e Objectives Chapter 2

OBJECTIVE 2.1 – Name the basic unit that makes up the nervous system, state what it is specifically designed to do, and list and describe its four parts.

OBJECTIVE 2.2 – Explain how a nerve impulse (action potential) occurs and how it is an all-or-nothing event and include the terms resting potential, threshold, ion channels, and negative after-potential.

OBJECTIVE 2.3 – Describe how nerve impulses are carried from one neuron to another, contrast this communication with a action potential, and include an explanation of receptor sites, types of neurotransmitters, neural networks, plasticity, neurogenesis, and the types and functions of neuropeptides.

OBJECTIVE 2.4 – Differentiate a nerve from a neuron and explain the functions of myelin and neurilemma.

OBJECTIVE 2.5 – Chart the various subparts of the human nervous system and explain their functions, describe the progress being made in repairing neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), and ways to prevent injury to the CNS.

OBJECTIVE 2.6 – Describe the spinal cord and explain the mechanism of the reflex arc, including the types of neurons involved.

OBJECTIVE 2.7 – Define biopsychology, describe techniques used to map brain structures and brain functions, and discuss how these techniques have been used to detect and undestand brain disorders, brain efficiency, and even behaviors, such as lying,

OBJECTIVE 2.8–Describe the main differences between the brains of lower and higher animals and include a description of the cerebrum, cerebral cortex, gray matter, and corticalization.

OBJECTIVE 2.9 – Discuss hemispheric specialization, including the work of Roger Sperry, how and why the brain is “split” and the resulting effects, the functions of the right and left hemisphere, the function of the corpus collosum, and how a person would be affected by damage to each hemisphere (such as the condition known as “spatial neglect” and neurological “soft signs”).

OBJECTIVE 2.10 – Describe the functions of each of the lobes of the brain and of the association areas, including Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas; explain the effects of damage to each of these brain regions, including the conditions of aphasia, agnosia, and facial agnosia; and discuss the findings of the studies on the differences in brain structure and brain specialization in women and men.

OBJECTIVE 2.11 – List the three areas of the subcortex and explain the function of each of the following parts of the subcortex: a. the midbrain; b. the hindbrain (brainstem) including: 1. the medulla; 2. the pons; 3. the cerebellum, and 4. the reticular formation; and c. the forebrain including: 1. the thalamus and 2. the hypothalamus.

OBJECTIVE 2.12 – List the structures that comprise the limbic system and explain its overall function as well as the specific functions of the amygdala and the hippocampus; describe the significance of “pleasure” and “aversive” areas in the limbic system; and summarize the brain’s basic functions and the latest brain research to aid paralyzed patients.

OBJECTIVE 2.13 –Explain the purpose of the endocrine system, the action of hormones, and the effects that the following glands have on the body and behavior: a. pituitary (include a description of giantism, dwarfism, and acromegaly); b. pineal; c. thyroid (include a description of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism); d. adrenal medulla; and e. adrenal cortex (include a description of virilism, premature puberty, and the problem of anabolic steroids). OBJECTIVE 2.14 – Discuss brain dominance, lateralization, and handness, including their relationship to language processing; how and when the dominant hemisphere is determined; and the incidence, advantages, and disadvantages of being right-or left-handed, or inconsistent in dominance.