Name: Toledo, Frinna Nicci P.

Section: BSP 3-E

Reflection

Unit 2: The brain-body relationship: Neuroscience

Lesson 2.1 Neuroscience

The science of neurogenesis suggests that it is possible to create neurons that

improve our memory and thinking skills. Based on what I’ve learned, there are many
aspects of aging you cannot prevent, but surprisingly, memory trouble is not one of
them. In this process, called neurogenesis, new neurons or brain cells develop in the
hippocampus, the brain region responsible for learning information, storing long-term
memories, and regulating emotions.

You naturally lose neurons as you age. Over time, this can affect different aspects of
memory. Even in old age, though, the brain still produces about 700 new neurons in the
hippocampus per day, that may not seem like much, since the brain contains billions of
neurons, but this small amount has many valuable properties. Neurogenesis may even
help protect against Alzheimer's, since the death of brain cells is linked to the disease
(although many other factors also contribute to the disorder). And it may both treat and
prevent depression. Depression slows neuron production, and research has shown that
a series of depression episodes can shrink the hippocampus by 10%.

The scientific understanding of neurogenesis continues to evolve. Most research has

focused on animals, but initial findings have identified certain actions that may be
associated with stimulating neurogenesis in the human hippocampus.
Lesson 2.2 – Neuroanatomy

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. The peripheral
nervous system is comprised of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The
somatic nervous system transmits sensory and motor signals to and from the central
nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls the function of our organs and
glands, and can be divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
Sympathetic activation prepares us for fight or flight, while parasympathetic activation is
associated with normal functioning under relaxed conditions.
Lesson 2.3 – Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are the language of your brain. They allow neurons to

communicate to other brain cells. Muscles receive cues from neurotransmitters, too.
From what I’ve learned, these chemical messengers send information throughout the
body and the he different types of neurotransmitters vary widely. Some manage your
heart rate and blood pressure. Others make you feel motivated, stabilize your mood, or
help you fall asleep.

Communication is the key to your health. Neurotransmitters do that work,

sending instructions from one brain cell to the next and transferring information
throughout the brain and body. The process starts when these chemical messengers
are stored in tiny compartments at the end of neurons. These are called synaptic
vesicles. Neurotransmitters live here until your brain needs to relay a message.
Lesson 2.4 Research Methods

Good equipment doesn’t guarantee that you will get good data. Good equipment
ensures you to better identify your object, your animal, even your measurement.
Equipment allows researchers to interact directly with the data gathered. They get a
first-hand learning experience by performing various experiments on their own.
Researchers are made to use the models and understand different scientific theories
and concepts. It is also found that good equipment and supplies make studies easy and
feasible for the researchers. There are several scientific theories and concepts that are
difficult to explain directly from the books. Anatomy models, physics science kits, and
chemistry science kits for instance make it easy to understand the otherwise complex
theories of science.
Post-test: Fill in the blank with the appropriate term.

1. The cell body, also known as SOMA, is the neuron’s core or center. This part
carries the genetic information, maintains the neuron’s structure, and provides
energy to drive human activities.
2. Neurons SEND signals in a process known as action potential
3. When an action potential is GENERATED , it is carried along the axon to a
presynaptic ending. This triggers the release of chemical messengers called
neurotransmitters.
4. Sensory neurons are TRIGGERED by physical and chemical inputs such as
sound, touch, heat, and light that serve as physical inputs.
5. Interneurons are NEURAL intermediaries found in the brain and spinal cord.
6. The study of the structure and organization of the nervous system is
NEUROANATOMY.
7. Neurons serve as the INFORMATION-PROCESSING cells of the nervous
system,
8. The star-shaped ASTROCYTES of the brain wrap around the presynaptic
terminals of a group of functionally related axons.
9. The mechanism that keeps most chemicals out of the vertebrate brain is known
as the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER
10. There are chemical molecules called NEUROTRANSMITTERS that are
synthesized within brain cells, allowing the transfer of signaling messages
between brain cells, and are situated at the joints between cells enabling the
transfer of information across gaps.