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What is hemispheric lateralization and provide an example?
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Hemispheric lateralization refers to the specialization of certain functions in either the left or right hemisphere of the brain, such as language often being lateralized to the left hemisphere.
What factors influence the brain's functional recovery post-injury?
Factors include age, gender, and access to therapeutic interventions, which can impact the speed and success of functional recovery.
Explain how chronic activation of the fight or flight system can impact health.
Chronic activation of the fight or flight response can lead to long-term health issues such as hypertension and weakened immune function due to sustained stress hormone levels.
Describe the synaptic transmission process in neurons.
Synaptic transmission is a chemical process where neurotransmitters are released from a neuron and cross the synaptic gap to transmit signals to the next neuron.
What occurs during the fight or flight response when triggered by stress?
Upon encountering stress, the hypothalamus activates the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, increasing heart rate, alertness, and decreasing digestion as part of the fight or flight response.
Identify and explain the function of three types of neurons in the reflex arc.
Sensory neurons detect sensations and transmit signals to the CNS, relay neurons transmit signals within the CNS, and motor neurons convey signals from the CNS to muscles and effectors.
Explain the function of the pituitary gland within the endocrine system.
The pituitary gland, often termed the 'master gland', controls other glands in the endocrine system and regulates various bodily functions through hormone release.
What is the function of motor neurons in the nervous system?
Motor neurons transmit signals from the CNS to effectors like muscles, facilitating voluntary and involuntary movements.
What are the primary components of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and their functions?
The CNS consists of the brain, responsible for conscious and unconscious processing, and the spinal cord, responsible for information transmission and reflex processing.
What are circadian rhythms and provide an example.
Circadian rhythms are biological processes following a 24-hour cycle, such as the sleep-wake cycle.
How do technologies improve sleep based on biological rhythm understanding?
Technologies use knowledge of biological rhythms to develop interventions and devices that align with natural sleep cycles, improving sleep quality and overall health.
Compare the advantages of fMRI and EEG techniques in studying the brain.
fMRI is advantageous for its high spatial resolution in measuring blood flow, while EEG is beneficial for its high temporal resolution in tracking electrical activity.
Discuss the role of the adrenal glands in the endocrine system.
The adrenal glands secrete hormones like adrenaline to prepare the body for the fight or flight response.
Differentiate between the roles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
The sympathetic system activates the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and releasing adrenaline, while the parasympathetic system promotes rest and digest, decreasing heart rate and releasing acetylcholine.
How does brain plasticity contribute to functional recovery after damage?
Brain plasticity allows undamaged areas of the brain to adapt and take over functions of damaged regions, aiding functional recovery.
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