Test Your Neuroscience Know-how

The eye's lens turns the visual image upside down. When light enters the eye, it passes through the lens which refracts the light and focuses it onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina then sends signals to the brain, which processes the information and interprets it as an upright image. Despite the image being projected onto the retina upside down, our brain automatically corrects it, allowing us to perceive the world in the correct orientation.

Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disturbances of thought and emotions. This condition involves a disruption in the way an individual thinks, feels, and perceives reality. Delusions refer to false beliefs that are not based on reality, while hallucinations involve experiencing sensations that are not actually present. Furthermore, individuals with schizophrenia may also experience disorganized thinking, speech, and behavior. This disorder typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood and can have a significant impact on a person's ability to function in daily life.

Synapses are the contact points where one neuron communicates with another. They are specialized junctions where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted from one neuron to another. Synapses play a crucial role in the transmission of information within the nervous system, allowing for the integration and processing of signals. They enable the transfer of neurotransmitters, which carry the signals across the synaptic gap. This communication between neurons at synapses is essential for various brain functions, including learning, memory, and coordination of movements.

During REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, we experience dreams. This stage of sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and muscle paralysis. REM sleep is crucial for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. It is during this stage that vivid and intense dreams occur, as the brain is highly active and the body is essentially paralyzed to prevent acting out the dream content. Therefore, REM sleep is the correct answer for the period of sleep during which we dream.

A reflex is an involuntary, fixed muscle response to a particular stimulus. When a specific stimulus is detected by sensory receptors, a reflex arc is initiated, which bypasses conscious control and triggers an immediate response from the muscles involved. This automatic reaction helps protect the body from potential harm or danger. Spasms, on the other hand, are involuntary muscle contractions that can occur for various reasons, while dystonia refers to a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing repetitive movements or abnormal postures.

The human brain contains approximately 100 billion nerve cells. These nerve cells, also known as neurons, are responsible for transmitting information throughout the brain and body. They play a crucial role in various cognitive functions, such as thinking, learning, and memory. The large number of nerve cells in the brain allows for complex processing and communication, enabling us to perform a wide range of tasks and activities.

The average adult brain weighs about three pounds.

Working/short term memory refers to the ability to hold and manipulate information in our mind for a short period of time. It is the type of memory that allows us to retain and process information while we are actively thinking about it. This type of memory is crucial for tasks such as problem-solving, decision-making, and comprehension. Unlike long-term memory, which stores information for an extended period, working/short term memory is temporary and can hold only a limited amount of information.

The amygdala is a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in emotional learning and memory. It is responsible for processing and regulating emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. Dysfunction in the amygdala has been linked to anxiety disorders, as it can lead to an overactive fear response and difficulty in regulating emotions. Therefore, the amygdala is the correct answer for this question.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or becomes blocked, leading to a disruption in blood flow to the brain. This can result in damage to brain cells and can cause various symptoms depending on the area of the brain affected. Aneurysm refers to a weakened area in a blood vessel that can bulge and potentially rupture, leading to a stroke. Aphasia, on the other hand, refers to a communication disorder that can occur after a stroke, affecting a person's ability to speak, understand, read, or write.