Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

45. Nervous System

Central and Peripheral Nervous System

General Biology

45. Nervous System

Central and Peripheral Nervous System

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2:41 minutes

Problem 8

Textbook Question

Why is memory thought to involve changes in particular synapses?
a. At some synapses, more neurotransmitters are released after learning takes place.
b. At some synapses, a different type of neurotransmitter is released after learning takes place.
c. When researchers stimulated certain neurons electrically, individuals replayed memories.
d. When researchers changed synapses in the brains of patients during surgery, the patients' memories changed.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of synapses in neural communication: Synapses are the junctions between neurons where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals. Changes in synapses can affect how signals are transmitted and processed in the brain.

Explore the concept of synaptic plasticity: Synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity. This is a fundamental mechanism underlying learning and memory.

Consider the impact of neurotransmitter release: After learning takes place, some synapses may release more neurotransmitters, enhancing the communication between neurons and potentially strengthening the memory trace.

Examine the evidence from research studies: Researchers have found that stimulating certain neurons electrically can lead to the replay of memories, suggesting that specific synapses are involved in memory recall.

Analyze the effects of synaptic changes during surgery: Studies have shown that altering synapses in the brain during surgery can lead to changes in patients' memories, indicating that synapses play a crucial role in storing and modifying memories.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Synaptic Plasticity

Synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity. This is a fundamental mechanism underlying learning and memory, as changes in synaptic strength can alter the flow of information through neural circuits, thereby encoding new memories.

Neurotransmitter Release

Neurotransmitter release is the process by which signaling molecules are released from neurons to transmit signals across synapses. Changes in the amount or type of neurotransmitter released can affect synaptic strength and are thought to be involved in the formation and storage of memories, as they modify the communication between neurons.

Neural Stimulation and Memory Recall

Neural stimulation involves activating neurons through electrical impulses, which can lead to the recall of memories. This suggests that specific patterns of neural activity are associated with particular memories, and stimulating these patterns can trigger memory retrieval, highlighting the role of synaptic changes in memory storage and recall.

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Textbook Question

Which division of the autonomic nervous system would you expect to be activated if a person heard an intruder at the front door?

a. Parasympathetic

b. Sympathetic

c. Enteric

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Textbook Question

The reflex that pulls your hand away when you prick your finger on a sharp object relies on a neuronal circuit with two synapses in the spinal cord. Draw a simple diagram of the brain indicating where pain would eventually be perceived.

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Textbook Question

The reflex that pulls your hand away when you prick your finger on a sharp object relies on a neuronal circuit with two synapses in the spinal cord. Using a circle to represent a cross-section of the spinal cord, draw the circuit. Label the types of neurons, the direction of information flow in each, and the locations of synapses.

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Textbook Question

Compare and contrast the somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system.

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Textbook Question

Design an experiment with a group of taxi drivers in a new city to examine the role of neuroplasticity on learning. Assume you have the ability to image their brains to measure changes in the volume of gray matter.

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Textbook Question

Alzheimer's disease is a common form of dementia affecting millions of people, especially the elderly. Two regions of the brain are particularly affected, often shrinking dramatically and accumulating large deposits of extracellular material. Based on your knowledge of memory, what two brain regions do you think these are? Explain.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following structures or regions is correctly paired with its function?

a. limbic system—motor control of speech

b. medulla oblongata—homeostatic control

c. cerebrum—coordination of movement and balance

d. amygdala—short-term memory

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Multiple Choice

Which two main divisions make up the peripheral nervous system?