The Neural Bases of Behaviour: An Introduction

1. What are the two main components of the nervous system?

The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

2. What parts of the body make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord.

3. What is the primary role of the Central Nervous System?

It acts as the body's 'command center', processing information and managing higher-level functions and reflexes.

4. What is the main function of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

The PNS connects the Central Nervous System to the rest of the body, such as limbs, organs, and glands.

5. How many total pairs of nerves make up the Peripheral Nervous System?

The PNS is composed of 43 pairs of nerves.

6. How many pairs of cranial nerves are part of the PNS?

There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that emerge directly from the brain.

7. How many pairs of spinal nerves are part of the PNS?

There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves that emerge from the spinal cord.

8. Which division of the PNS controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles?

The Somatic Nervous System is responsible for controlling skeletal muscles.

9. Which division of the PNS operates unconsciously to regulate internal organs?

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) regulates bodily functions like heart rate and digestion.

10. What are the two opposing branches of the Autonomic Nervous System?

The Sympathetic Nervous System and the Parasympathetic Nervous System.

11. Which system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response?

The Sympathetic Nervous System arouses the body and mobilizes energy in stressful situations.

12. What is the primary function of the Sympathetic Nervous System?

Its function is to arouse the body and mobilize energy when facing a threat or stress.

13. Which system is known for promoting a 'rest and digest' state?

The Parasympathetic Nervous System is responsible for calming the body.

14. What is the primary function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

Its function is to calm the body and conserve energy after a stressful situation has passed.

15. What are the basic building blocks of the nervous system called?

Neurons are the fundamental units of the entire nervous system.

16. What is the estimated number of neurons in a human brain?

The human brain is estimated to contain between 10 billion and 100 billion neurons.

17. What is the fundamental purpose of a neuron?

A neuron's purpose is to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscles, or gland cells.

18. Name one branch of neuroscience mentioned in the lecture.

The lecture mentions Cognitive, Social, Affective, and Behavioural Neuroscience.

19. What kind of actions are controlled by the Somatic Nervous System?

It controls voluntary actions, such as walking or typing on a keyboard.

20. What is the relationship between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic systems?

They are opposing systems; the Sympathetic arouses the body while the Parasympathetic calms it down.

21. Besides higher-level functions, what else does the CNS manage?

The CNS also manages reflexes, which are rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli.

22. What is the central goal of all branches of neuroscience?

A central goal is understanding how the brain gives rise to behavior.