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Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals Flashcards

7 cards from real HSP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which brain structure, part of the limbic system, plays a central role in the processing of fear and emotional memory consolidation?

    Answer: Amygdala

    The amygdala is essential for detecting and processing threats and consolidating emotionally charged memories, making it central to anxiety and PTSD pathophysiology.

  2. In the endocrine system, the HPA axis involves the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. What does ACTH do in this cascade?

    Answer: Stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol

    ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), released by the anterior pituitary in response to CRH, stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and secrete cortisol.

  3. Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals from other neurons?

    Answer: Dendrites

    Dendrites are the branching extensions of a neuron that receive synaptic input from other neurons and transmit electrical signals toward the cell body.

  4. Which neurotransmitter is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain, and is targeted by benzodiazepines?

    Answer: GABA

    GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS; benzodiazepines enhance GABA-A receptor activity to produce anxiolytic and sedative effects.

  5. The prefrontal cortex is critically involved in which set of cognitive functions most relevant to behavioral health?

    Answer: Executive functions including planning, impulse control, and decision-making

    The prefrontal cortex mediates executive functions such as working memory, impulse control, planning, and decision-making, which are often impaired in psychiatric and neurological conditions.

  6. What is the term for the resting electrical charge across a neuron's membrane before it fires, typically around -70 millivolts?

    Answer: Resting membrane potential

    The resting membrane potential (~-70 mV) is the stable electrical charge maintained across a neuron's membrane when it is not transmitting a signal, created by ion distribution and pump activity.

  7. Which physiological measure is commonly used in biofeedback therapy to assess and reduce sympathetic nervous system arousal?

    Answer: Galvanic skin response (GSR)

    Galvanic skin response (electrodermal activity) reflects sweat gland activity controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and is widely used in biofeedback to monitor and reduce stress arousal.