ENDOCRINE SYSTEM PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks) -
ANSWER-- ST is the process by which one neuron communicates with another
- Info is passed down axon as an electrical impulse known as action potential
- Once action potential reaches end of axon it needs to be transferred to another
neuron or tissue
- It must cross over synaptic gap between presynaptic and post-synaptic neuron
- At the end of neuron (in the axon terminal) there are synaptic vesicles, which
contain neurotransmitters
- When the electrical impulse (action potential) reaches these synaptic vesicles, they
release their contents of neurotransmitters
- Neurotransmitters then carry the signal across the synaptic gap
- They bind to receptor sites on the post-synaptic cell, thereby completing the
process of synaptic transmission
- These action potentials are summed and if the net effect on the postsynaptic
neuron is inhibitory, the neuron will be less likely to fire
- if the net effect is excitatory, the neuron will be more likely to fire
- Reuptake occurs and neurons return back to presynaptic neuron where is stored
for later release or broken down by enzymes
Split brain patients show unusual behaviour when tested in experiments
Briefly explain how unusual behaviour in split brain patients could be tested in an
experiment
(2 marks) - ANSWER-Present a word to the patients left visual field, then ask them
to say and draw what they see
Briefly evaluate research using split brain patients to investigate hemispheric
lateralisation of function
(4 marks) - ANSWER-- A strength of this kind of research is the scientific nature and
the fact that it provides empirical evidence that can be replicated, due to Sperry's
research being standardised
- pic was only shown for 200 mil to prevent p using both eyes
- A limitation would be that this research lacks ecological validity since the
investigation into hemispheric lateralisation of function was conducted in a laboratory
- This is due to patients only using one eye at a time in the study but in real life they
would use both eyes meaning the results might not be generalised to real life.
Explain the process of synaptic transmission (ST) (4 marks) - ANSWER-- ST is the
process by which one neuron communicates with another
- Info is passed down axon as an electrical impulse known as action potential
- Once action potential reaches end of axon it needs to be transferred to another
neuron or tissue
- It must cross over synaptic gap between presynaptic and post-synaptic neuron
- At the end of neuron (in the axon terminal) there are synaptic vesicles, which
contain neurotransmitters
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission (6 marks) -
ANSWER-- ST is the process by which one neuron communicates with another
- Info is passed down axon as an electrical impulse known as action potential
- Once action potential reaches end of axon it needs to be transferred to another
neuron or tissue
- It must cross over synaptic gap between presynaptic and post-synaptic neuron
- At the end of neuron (in the axon terminal) there are synaptic vesicles, which
contain neurotransmitters
- When the electrical impulse (action potential) reaches these synaptic vesicles, they
release their contents of neurotransmitters
- Neurotransmitters then carry the signal across the synaptic gap
- They bind to receptor sites on the post-synaptic cell, thereby completing the
process of synaptic transmission
- These action potentials are summed and if the net effect on the postsynaptic
neuron is inhibitory, the neuron will be less likely to fire
- if the net effect is excitatory, the neuron will be more likely to fire
- Reuptake occurs and neurons return back to presynaptic neuron where is stored
for later release or broken down by enzymes
Split brain patients show unusual behaviour when tested in experiments
Briefly explain how unusual behaviour in split brain patients could be tested in an
experiment
(2 marks) - ANSWER-Present a word to the patients left visual field, then ask them
to say and draw what they see
Briefly evaluate research using split brain patients to investigate hemispheric
lateralisation of function
(4 marks) - ANSWER-- A strength of this kind of research is the scientific nature and
the fact that it provides empirical evidence that can be replicated, due to Sperry's
research being standardised
- pic was only shown for 200 mil to prevent p using both eyes
- A limitation would be that this research lacks ecological validity since the
investigation into hemispheric lateralisation of function was conducted in a laboratory
- This is due to patients only using one eye at a time in the study but in real life they
would use both eyes meaning the results might not be generalised to real life.
Explain the process of synaptic transmission (ST) (4 marks) - ANSWER-- ST is the
process by which one neuron communicates with another
- Info is passed down axon as an electrical impulse known as action potential
- Once action potential reaches end of axon it needs to be transferred to another
neuron or tissue
- It must cross over synaptic gap between presynaptic and post-synaptic neuron
- At the end of neuron (in the axon terminal) there are synaptic vesicles, which
contain neurotransmitters
