BaB Vocab

Question 1

Localization of Function

Answer 1

the idea that specific mental functions and behaviors are controlled by a specific regions of the brain.

Question 2

Cortex

Answer 2

the outermost layer of the brain; responsible for language, memory, and consciousness.

Question 3

Brain Stem

Answer 3

the base of the brain connecting to the spinal cord; regulates breathing and heart rate.

Question 4

Limbic System

Answer 4

hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, thalamus; responsible for emotions, memory.

Question 5

Corpus Callosum

Answer 5

nerve fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain, enabling communication and coordination between the two sides.

Question 6

Cortical Homunculus

Answer 6

a visual representation showing body parts like how the brain sees and manages them.

Question 7

Equipotentiality

Answer 7

the idea that, in certain conditions, any part of a functional area of the brain can take over the role of another part.

Question 8

Neuroplasticity

Answer 8

the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to its environment (learning, injury, etc).

Question 9

Cortical Remapping

Answer 9

largest scale of neuroplasticity – the phenomenon when brain area X assumes the functions of brain area Y du to something like injury.

Question 10

Synaptic Plasticity

Answer 10

smallest scale of neuroplasticity – the ability of the neuron to form new synaptic connections and break up the old ones.

Question 11

Neuron

Answer 11

a nervous cell residing in the brain.

Question 12

Neurotransmitter

Answer 12

a chemical messenger, either inhibitory (stopping impulses, calming) or excitatory (allowing impulses, stimulating).

Question 13

Synapse

Answer 13

the space between two neurons in which neurotransmitters travel.

Question 14

Axon

Answer 14

the part of a neuron that sends electrical signals away from the cell body to communicate with other neurons.

Question 15

Axon Terminal

Answer 15

the endpoint of a neuron’s axon; releases neurotransmitters.

Question 16

Dendrites

Answer 16

extensions of neurons that receive neurotransmitters from other neurons.

Question 17

Reuptake

Answer 17

the process where neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the original neuron after transmitting a signal.

Question 18

Dopamine

Answer 18

an excitatory neurotransmitter that causes pleasure, reward, motivation.

Question 19

Post-mortem studies

Answer 19

research conducted on brains of dead people.

Question 20

Serotonin

Answer 20

an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps mood regulation, sleep.

Question 21

Ablation

Answer 21

the removal or destruction of a part of the brain (usually through surgery, often to study the functions of different regions).

Question 22

EEG

Answer 22

process; measures electrical activity in the brain

Question 23

PET

Answer 23

process; subject is given an injection of sugar and glucose which has been radiolabeled, and when it is put in the body, it shows up on a scanner so you can see it as it travels through the body and track it to the brain.

Question 24

CAT

Answer 24

structure; uses x-rays to create detailed images of the body (and brain).

Question 24

fMRI

Answer 24

process; measures and maps brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and concentration.

Question 25

Spatial Resolution

Answer 25

the level of clarity of an image (how pixelated is it).

Question 26

Temporal Resolution

Answer 26

the shortest time period in which changes in brain activity can be registered.

Question 27

Hormones

Answer 27

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, influences mood, growth, metabolism.

Question 28

Endocrine Glands

Answer 28

organs that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream.

Question 29

Oxytocin

Answer 29

a hormone and neurotransmitter associated with social bonding, trust, attachment. plays a role in labor and lactation.

Question 30

Pheromones

Answer 30

chemical substances released by animals to trigger specific social and reproductive behaviors in members of same species.

Question 31

Cortisol

Answer 31

a stress hormone released by adrenal glands during stress (after epinephrine is released), influences non-vital functions to focus on survival, such as immune system, reproduction, metabolism.

Question 32

Nature vs Nurture

Answer 32

the debate about how much your genetics vs environmental factors play on our development, behavior, and traits (especially intelligence).

Question 33

Niche-picking

Answer 33

a tendency of people to pick environments due to their genetic predispositions that then influence their behavior (predisposed to depression, picks activities that are difficult to succeed in, negatively affects mood and stuff).