Unit+3+-+The+Brain

= =

= = = ---Unit 3 =

9 / 27/ 2011



--- National Geographic Teenage Article.

This article was pretty interesting. Most teenagers are crazy and reckless, but there must be a reason behind it. This article explained why teenagers act such way, and stated that it is essential for the development of the brain, that we experience more and take risks while younger. I agree with this article because it makes a lot of sense. Our brain as teenagers is not fully developed, and by taking risks and experiencing, it could help in the development of the brain.

---MY RESULTS

Are You a Risk Taker?
How likely are you to partake in the following activities? Please rate each on a scale of 1-7, where 1 is not likely at all and 7 is extremely likely.

Your Survey Results
You are pretty timid. You wear comfortable shoes, and you've got insurance for your insurance.

---PsychSim-- 1. What is the function of the cell body, or soma? Contains the nucleus, protects the nucleus which controls the functioning of the entire cell.

2. What is the function of the dendrites? They are specialized to receive messages from other neurons.

3. What is the function of the axon? It sends multiple impulses to other neurons.

4. Describe the process of axonal conduction. Electrochemical process. The neural impulse is passed along to axon until it reaches the axon terminals.

5. Describe the process of synaptic transmission. Chemical process passing the neural impulses from the axon terminals of a neutron into the dendrite (cell body) of another neuron.

6. How are excitatory synapses different from inhibitory synapses? Excitatory synapses increases the chance that the receiving neuron will fire, while inhibitory synapses decreases the chance that the receiving neuron will fire.

--- Oct/ 18/ 2011 -

Frontline: Inside the Teenage Brain

Done on separate sheet of paper!

--- Oct/ 19/ 2011

__**Nature vs Nurture**__
__**Define these terms:**__

//nature: The Factors which define an individual's personality. Inborn and inherited characters.//

//nurture: Feeding, support and protection provided throughout one's childhood.//

//genetics: The science of heredity, genetic properties of an organism.//

//environment: The physical surroundings, conditions and influence. Social and cultural forces.//

//genetic: Origins produced by genes.//

//inherited: Properties or characters received from parent to offspring.//

For each trait below, mark whether it is acquired through genetic (G) factors or through environmental (E). If you think the trait is acquired through the interaction of genetics and environment, mark it as GE _extreme, repeated violence(E) _ schizophrenia(G) _alcoholism(E) _ manic-depression(G,E) _ intelligence(E) _ shyness(G,E) _obesity(G,E) _Alzheimer's disease(G) _ homosexuality(G,E) _ thrill seeking(E) _temperament(G,E) _ dyslexia(G) _ nicotine dependence(E) _ hyperactivity(G,E)
 * THEY ARE ALL (G,E)*

---Oct/ 20/ 2011--

__**Explain how the environment and genetics could interact to produce the follpwing traits:**__
 * 1) alcoholism: (G): Parents and/ or ancestors have had drinking problems, potentially a certain gene or DNA pattern which causes dependence on alcohol. (E): Person has made a choice to drink and exaggerated, Person associates with others who depend on alcohol.
 * 2) nicotine dependence: (G): Parents and/ or ancestors rely on nicotine. Mother smoked while pregnant. (E): Person has made a choice to smoke, forced into smoking, peer pressure.
 * 3) obesity: (G): Parents/ and or ancestors have intense eating habits. Suffered from obesity. Mother ate a lot while pregnant. (E): Person is surrounded by several treats. Parents, family and friends influence overeating.
 * 4) extreme violence: (G): Parent and/ or ancestors had low patience level. Easily became angry. (E): Person is raised in "the hood" . Participates in gang activity and feels more powerful by being aggressive.
 * 5) intelligence: (G): Parent and/ or ancestors were highly intelligent. Parents went to Harvard or other famous schools. (E): Person is given rules and regulation involving studying and schoolwork. Persons is dedicated to learning in order to achieve a personal goal.

--Oct/ 21/ 2011 --MY RESULTS: Personal Brain Score