BaB Vocab Flashcards
Localization of Function
the idea that specific mental functions and behaviors are controlled by a specific regions of the brain.
Cortex
the outermost layer of the brain; responsible for language, memory, and consciousness.
Brain Stem
the base of the brain connecting to the spinal cord; regulates breathing and heart rate.
Limbic System
hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, thalamus; responsible for emotions, memory.
Corpus Callosum
nerve fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain, enabling communication and coordination between the two sides.
Cortical Homunculus
a visual representation showing body parts like how the brain sees and manages them.
Equipotentiality
the idea that, in certain conditions, any part of a functional area of the brain can take over the role of another part.
Neuroplasticity
the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to its environment (learning, injury, etc).
Cortical Remapping
largest scale of neuroplasticity – the phenomenon when brain area X assumes the functions of brain area Y du to something like injury.
Synaptic Plasticity
smallest scale of neuroplasticity – the ability of the neuron to form new synaptic connections and break up the old ones.
Neuron
a nervous cell residing in the brain.
Neurotransmitter
a chemical messenger, either inhibitory (stopping impulses, calming) or excitatory (allowing impulses, stimulating).
Synapse
the space between two neurons in which neurotransmitters travel.
Axon
the part of a neuron that sends electrical signals away from the cell body to communicate with other neurons.
Axon Terminal
the endpoint of a neuron’s axon; releases neurotransmitters.
Dendrites
extensions of neurons that receive neurotransmitters from other neurons.
Reuptake
the process where neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the original neuron after transmitting a signal.
Dopamine
an excitatory neurotransmitter that causes pleasure, reward, motivation.
Post-mortem studies
research conducted on brains of dead people.
Serotonin
an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps mood regulation, sleep.
Ablation
the removal or destruction of a part of the brain (usually through surgery, often to study the functions of different regions).
EEG
process; measures electrical activity in the brain
PET
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.
CAT
structure; uses x-rays to create detailed images of the body (and brain).
fMRI
process; measures and maps brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and concentration.
Spatial Resolution
the level of clarity of an image (how pixelated is it).
Temporal Resolution
the shortest time period in which changes in brain activity can be registered.
Hormones
Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, influences mood, growth, metabolism.
Endocrine Glands
organs that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream.
Oxytocin
a hormone and neurotransmitter associated with social bonding, trust, attachment. plays a role in labor and lactation.
Pheromones
chemical substances released by animals to trigger specific social and reproductive behaviors in members of same species.
Cortisol
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.
Nature vs Nurture
the debate about how much your genetics vs environmental factors play on our development, behavior, and traits (especially intelligence).
Niche-picking
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).
