epigenetic influences on gene expression - CORRECT ANSWER-changes in gene
expression based on experience, interaction between environment and genes
with high grooming mothers, pups are less fearful as adults when placed in stressful
situation
-nurturing behavior triggers the release of serotonin in the pups which reduces the
expression of genes mediating stress hormones and animals respond more calmly to
stress
examples of substances that can negatively impact prenatal development - CORRECT
ANSWER-fever (neuron proliferation), malnutrition (fetal brain development), alcohol
(neuron proliferation, migration, differentiation, synaptic transmission (inferrers with glia)
how can experience alter brain anatomy and function - CORRECT ANSWER-
fetal alcohol syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER-hyperactivity, attention deficits,
impulsivity, motor problems, heart defects, facial abnormalities
dendritic pruning - CORRECT ANSWER-too much pruning: not good, too little: too
many connections
-prune things we don't need
sensory loss - CORRECT ANSWER-can impact brain structure and function
-blind individuals: increased sensitivity in fingers, fMRI shows activity in the occipital
lobe when participants are reading braille letters
extensive training - CORRECT ANSWER-practice on instrument changes the
organization of the cortex (more activity), more gray matter in posterior hippocampi for
London taxi drivers
dendrite - CORRECT ANSWER-lined with synaptic receptors to receive information
,dendritic spines - CORRECT ANSWER-short outgrowths that increase the surface area
of dendrites
axon hillock - CORRECT ANSWER-where the soma meets the axon, where messages
are converging
axon - CORRECT ANSWER-transmits information to other neurons, organs, or
muscles, transmit information down this, action potential generated here
, presynaptic terminals - CORRECT ANSWER-endpoints of an axon that increase
chemicals, bind to dendrites of another neuron
astrocytes - CORRECT ANSWER-synchronize communication, provide structural
support, provide nutrients, take case of waste
synapse - CORRECT ANSWER-the microscopic gap between two neurons
presynaptic neuron - CORRECT ANSWER-cell releasing the neurotransmitters
postsynaptic neuron - CORRECT ANSWER-neuron receiving the signals
myelin sheath - CORRECT ANSWER-insulates the axon, can send messages more
quickly, some axons have this