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PSYCH1

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PSYCH1
1. Describe the structure of a neuron and explain the function of each of its major parts.
A neuron is a cell that can transfer a stimulus to another cell and is the basic unit in the nervous system. The cell body of the neuron is what contains the nucleus and the other organelles. The nucleus is where the DNA is stored. Dendrites extend from the cell, as do axons. Dendrites receive any incoming input while axons release signals out of the neuron.

2. Explain the interaction between the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
The central nervous system includes the brain and the spinal cord and carries information throughout the body. The peripheral nervous system includes any neurons not in the brain and spinal cord. The PNS transmits motor and sensory signals taken from the CNS to the rest of the body, which is how they interact.
3. If the corpus callosum is severed how might this affect the way that we perceive the world?
The corpus callosum is how each side of the body communicates, so if severed the separate sides would not be able to communicate with each other. The perception of the world would be changed because the sides of the brain could not process things involving the opposite side of the body.
4. How might modern brain imaging techniques be useful to psychologists?
Researchers would be able to see the exact affect thoughts or similar things have on the brain, as they could view a brain live and in action. They could analyze brain functions much more easily which could improve knowledge of the brain itself. Psychologists could see how psychological things like emotions affect the brain. This is how modern inventions to view the brain, such as PET scans, are useful to psychologists.
5. Explain at least one potential implication for the genetic diagnosis of traits such as intelligence and criminality.
With genetic diagnosis you could see if any traits are based on genes. Using twins, because twins have at least half of the same genes,

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