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NSCI 175 Exam 1 questions with correct answers
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NSCI 175 Exam 1 questions with correctanswers
Molecular Neuroscience - ANSWER -The brain has been called the most complex piece of
matter in the universe. Brain matter consists of a fantastic variety of molecules, many of which
are unique to the nervous system. These different molecules play many different roles that are
crucial for brain function: messengers that allow neurons to communicate with one another,
sentries that control what materials can enter or leave neurons, conductors that orchestrate
neuron growth, archivists of past experiences. The study of the brain at this most elementary
level is called molecular neuroscience.
Dr. Robertson's Example: I consider myself a molecular neuroscientist because my PhD
dissertation focused on the study of a single protein, the norepinephrine transporter and how
its function/dysfunction can influence behavior.
Cellular Neuroscience - ANSWER -The next level of analysis is cellular neuroscience, which
focuses on studying how all those molecules work together to give neurons their special
properties. Among the questions asked at this level are: How many different types of neurons
are there, and how do they differ in function? How do neurons influence other neurons? How
do neurons become "wired together" during fetal development? How do neurons perform
computations?
Dr. Robertson's Example: I consider myself a cellular neuroscientist because my post doctoral
research focused on studying the developmental origins of norepinephrine neuron diversity.
Systems Neuroscience - ANSWER -Constellations of neurons form complex circuits that perform
a common function, such as vision or voluntary movement. Thus, we can speak of the "visual
system" and the "motor system," each of which has its own distinct circuitry within the brain.
At this level of analysis, called systems neuroscience, neuroscientists study how different neural
circuits analyze sensory information, form perceptions of the external world, make decisions,
and execute movements.
Behavioral Neuroscience - ANSWER -How do neural systems work together to produce
integrated behaviors? For example, are different forms of memory accounted for by different
systems? Where in the brain do "mind-altering" drugs act, and what is the normal contribution
of these systems to the regulation of mood and behavior? What neural systems account for
NSCI 175 Exam 1 questions with correct answers
,gender-specific behaviors? Where are dreams created and what do they reveal? These
questions are studied in behavioral neuroscience.
Cognitive Neuroscience - ANSWER -Perhaps the greatest challenge of neuroscience is
understanding the neural mechanisms responsible for the higher levels of human mental
activity, such as self-awareness, imagination, and language. Research at this level, called
cognitive neuroscience, studies how the activity of the brain creates the mind.
Scientific Process - ANSWER -1. Observation - observe how bats navigate 3D space (because
humans operate upright)
2. Replication - repeating the same experiment in different subjects/animals in the same lab
3. Interpretation - his new work put to rest once popular theory from rat studies that proposed
a certain type of brain oscillation creates grid-like neural maps (oscillation absent in bats)
4. Verification- need to be done by other scientists, a different research group (find these cells
in other mammals or in bats)
Explain why animal research in needed - ANSWER -To study navigation at the single cell level
like the Bat man did, we need animals. We simply cannot do this kind of experiment in a human
(i.e. record from single neurons as we navigate around a room).
While the bat brain is similar to the human brain it is NOT identical but it certainly can be a
useful model. Even non-mammalian animal brains (like drosophila brains) can be incredibly
valuable models even though they are not identical
In other words, the nervous system of different species of animals and humans share many
mechanisms!
While "the Bat Mans" work required animals, this does not mean that working with animals is
"easy". Obtaining animal brains is challenging and requires institutional approval. Designing
experiments with animals is complicated and requires institutional approval
Animal Welfare - ANSWER -Concern for the welfare of animals and moral responsibility to
animal subjects
NSCI 175 Exam 1 questions with correct answers
, Used only in worthwhile experiments that promise to advance our knowledge
All steps are taken to minimize pain and distress
All alternatives to animals are considered and
minimum number of animals used
IACUC - Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
Animal Rights - ANSWER -•Experimenting on animals is always unacceptable because:
•Animals have the same legal and moral rights as humans
•it causes suffering to animals
•the benefits to human beings are not proven
•any benefits to human beings that animal testing does provide could be produced in other
ways
Three Rs of ethical animal research - ANSWER -•Reduction:
•Reducing the number of animals used in experiments by:
-Improving experimental techniques
-Improving techniques of data analysis
-Sharing information with other researchers
•Refinement:
•Refining the experiment or the way the animals are cared for so as to reduce their suffering
by:
-Using less invasive techniques
-Better medical care
-Better living conditions
•Replacement:
•Replacing experiments on animals with alternative techniques such as:
NSCI 175 Exam 1 questions with correct answers
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