Behavioral Science Chapter 1- Biology and Behavior Flashcards
1
Q
A researcher that developed the doctrine of phrenology and believed that one could measure psychological attributes by feeling/measuring the skull.
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Franz Gall
2
Q
A researcher that was the first to study the functions of the major sections of the brain. His work led to the assertion that specific parts of the brain had specific functions.
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Pierre Flourens
3
Q
Also known as ablation, this technique involves surgically removing parts of the brain and observing the behavioral consequences (mostly done on pigeons and rabbits
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Extirpation
4
Q
A researcher known as the father of American psychology and studied how the mind adapts to the environment.
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William James
5
Q
Studies how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environments.
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Functionalism
6
Q
A researcher that criticized the concept of the reflex arc, which breaks the process of reacting to a stimulus into discrete parts. He believed that psychology should focus on the study of the organism as a whole as it functioned to adapt to its environment.
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John Dewey
7
Q
A researcher that was the first to demonstrate that specific functional impairments could be linked with specific brain lesions.
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Paul Broca
8
Q
Area of the left side of the brain that when damaged, causes the patient the inability to speak but keeps the ability to comprehend language
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Broca’s Area
9
Q
A researcher that was the first to measure the speed of a nerve impulse. He also related the measured speed of such impulses to reaction time, linking behavior and underlying nervous system activity
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Hermann von Helmholtz
10
Q
A researcher that first inferred the existence of synapses. He thought that synaptic transmission was an electrical process, but we now know that it is primarily a chemical process.
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Sir Charles Sherrington
11
Q
A nerve cell that transmits sensory information from receptors to the spinal cord and brain.
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Sensory/Afferent neurons
12
Q
A nerve cell that transmits motor information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands.
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Motor/Efferent neurons
13
Q
A nerve cell found between other neurons. The most numerous of the three types and is often linked to reflexive behavior.
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Interneurons
14
Q
A primary component/division of the Nervous System that is composed of the brain and the spinal cord.
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The Central Nervous System (CNS)
15
Q
A primary component/division of the Nervous System that is composed of the nerve tissue and fibers outside of the brain and spinal cord.
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The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
16
Q
31 pairs of nerves emanating from the spinal cord. Also a part of the Peripheral Nervous System.
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Spinal Nerves
17
Q
12 pairs of nerves emanating directly from the brain. Also a part of the Peripheral Nervous System.
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Cranial Nerves
18
Q
A subdivision of the Peripheral Nervous System that consists of sensory and motor neurons distributed throughout the skin, joints, and muscles.
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The Somatic Nervous System
19
Q
A subdivision of the Peripheral Nervous System that regulates heartbeat, respiration, digestion, and glandular secretions. Manages the involuntary muscles associated with many internal organs and glands.
A
The Autonomic Nervous System
20
Q
A subdivision of the Autonomic Nervous System whose main role is to conserve energy. It is associated with sleeping and resting states, reducing heart rate, constricting bronchi, and managing digestion by increasing exocrine secretions.
A
The Parasympathetic Nervous System
21
Q
A subdivision of the Autonomic Nervous System that is activated by stress. Also closely associated with rage and fear reactions a.k.a “Fight or Flight”.
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The Sympathetic Nervous System
22
Q
A thick, three-layered sheath of connective tissue that covers the brain. Helps protect the brain by keeping it anchored within the skull
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Meninges
23
Q
The outer layer of connective tissue (meninges) that is connected directly to the skull.
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Dura Mater
24
Q
The middle layer of connective tissue (meninges). A fibrous, web-like structure.
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Arachnoid Mater
25
The inner layer of connective tissue (meninges), Connected directly to the brain.
Pia Mater
26
The aqueous solution that nourishes the brain and spinal cord and also provides a protective cushion.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
27
Internal Cavities of the brain that is lined with specialized cells that produce cerebrospinal fluid.
Ventricles
28
The most primitive region of the brain. Formed from the midbrain and hindbrain.
Brainstem
29
A group of neural structures primarily associated with emotion and memory. Related to aggression, fear, and pleasure.
The Limbic System
30
The outer covering of the cerebral hemispheres. Associated with everything from language processing to problem-solving, and from impulse control to long-term planning.
Cerebral Cortex
31
A division of the human brain located where the brain meets the spinal cord. It controls balance, motor coordination, breathing, digestion, and general arousal processes such as sleeping and walking.
The Hindbrain (rhombencephalon)
32
During embryonic development, the Hindbrain (rhombencephalon) divides to form this structure. This structure becomes the medulla oblongata.
The Meyencephalon
33
During embryonic development, the Hindbrain (rhombencephalon) divides to form this structure. This structure becomes the pons and cerebellum.
The Metencephalon
34
This lower brain structure is responsible for regulating vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. Located in the Hindbrain.
The Medulla Oblongata
35
This structure lies above the medulla and contains sensory and motor pathways between the cortex and the medulla. Located in the Hindbrain.
The Pons
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This structure is located at the top of the hindbrain and helps maintain posture and balance and also coordinates body movements. Located in the Hindbrain.
The Cerebellum
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A division of the human brain located just above the Hindbrain. It receives sensory and motor information from the rest of the body. It is also associated with involuntary reflex responses triggered by visual or auditory stimuli.
The Midbrain (mesencephalon)
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One of the prominent nuclei in the midbrain, which receives visual sensory input. Located in the midbrain.
Superior Colliculus
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One of the prominent nuclei in the brain, which receives sensory information from the auditory system. Has a role in reflexive reactions in response to loud noises. Located in the midbrain.
Inferior Colliculus
40
A cluster of neurons within the Central Nervous System, located deep within the cerebral hemispheres and the brainstem.
Nuclei
41
A division of the human brain located above the midbrain that is associated with complex perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral processes. Associated with emotion and memory and has the greatest influence on human behavior.
The Forebrain (prosencephalon)
42
During prenatal development, the Forebrain (prosencephalon) divides to form this structure. This structure forms the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and limbic system.
The Telencephalon
43
During prenatal development, the Forebrain (prosencephalon) divides to form this structure. This structure forms the thalamus, hypothalamus, posterior pituitary gland, and pineal gland.
The Diencephalon
44
The study of functions and behaviors associated with specific regions of the brain.
Neuropsychology
45
A neuropsychology method that involves electrically stimulating the brain and recording consequent brain activity. The recorded activity is called:
Cortical Maps
46
A neuropsychology method that records electrical activity produced by the brain itself by placing electrodes on the scalp and recording electrical activity from larger groups of neurons.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
47
A neuropsychology method that detects broad patterns of neural activity based on increased blood flow to different parts of the brain.
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBF)
48
A neuropsychology method in which multiple X-rays are taken at different angles and are processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the tissue.
Computed Axial Tomography Scan (CAT/CT)
49
A neuropsychology method in which radioactive sugar is injected and absorbed into the body and its dispersion and uptake throughout the target tissue is imaged.
Positron Emission Tomography Scan (PET)
50
A neuropsychology method in which a magnetic field that interacts with hydrogen atoms is used to map out hydrogen-dense regions of the body.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
51
A neuropsychology method that uses the same base technique as MRI but specifically measures changes associated with blood flow.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
52
A structure within the forebrain that serves as an important relay station for incoming sensory information, including all senses except for smell.
The Thalamus
53
A structure within the forebrain that serves homeostatic functions. It also handles emotions during high arousal states, aggressive behavior, and sexual behavior. It also helps control SOME endocrine functions.
The Hypothalamus
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A subdivision of the Hypothalamus that has special receptors thought to detect when the body needs food or fluid. Damage to this would lead to refusing food and drink (starvation).
The Lateral Hypothalamus (LH)
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A subdivision of the Hypothalamus that provides signals to stop eating. Damage to this would lead to obesity.
The Ventromedial Hypothalamus (VMH)
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A subdivision of the Hypothalamus that controls sexual behavior and regulates sleep and body temperature. Damage to this leads to permanent inhibition of sexual activity.
The Anterior Hypothalamus
57
A structure formed from the Diencephalon and a division of the pituitary gland that is comprised of axonal projections from the hypothalamus and is the site of release for the hypothalamic hormones ADH and oxytocin.
The Posterior Pituitary Gland
58
A structure formed from the Diencephalon that secretes a hormone called melatonin as well as receives direct signals from the retina for coordination with sunlight.
The Pineal Gland
59
A hormone secreted from the Pineal Gland that regulates circadian rhythms.
Melatonin
60
A group of structures in the middle of the brain that coordinate muscle movement as they receive information from the cortex and relay the information (via the extrapyramidal motor system) to the brain and spinal cord.
The Basal Ganglia
61
A part of the Basal Ganglia that gathers information about the body's position and carries it to the central nervous system. It does not function directly through motor neurons.
The Extrapyramidal System
62
One of the chronic illnesses associated with the destruction of portions of the Basal Ganglia. It is characterized by jerky movements and uncontrolled resting tremors.
Parkinson's disease
63
Located in the forebrain, a group of interconnected structures looping around the central portion of the brain and is primarily associated with emotion and memory. Its main components include the septal nuclei, amygdala, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex.
The Limbic System
64
A component of the Limbic System that contains one of the primary pleasure centers in the brain. There is an association between it and addictive behavior.
The Septal Nuclei
65
A component of the Limbic System that plays an important role in defensive and aggressive behaviors including fear and rage. When this structure is damaged, aggression and fear reactions are markedly reduced. When lesions occur on this structure, the result is docility and hypersexual states.
The Amygdala
66
A component of the Limbic System that plays a vital role in learning and memory processes; specifically, this structure helps consolidate information to form long-term memories and can redistribute remote memories to the cerebral cortex.
The Hippocampus
67
A long projection that helps the hippocampus communicate with other portions of the limbic system.
The Fornix
68
A form of memory loss that is characterized by not being able to establish new long-term memories, whereas memory for events that occurred before brain injury is usually intact.
Anterograde Amnesia
69
A form of memory loss that is characterized by memory loss of events before the brain injury.
Retrograde Amnesia
70
A component of the Limbic System that functions in higher-order cognitive processes, including regulation of impulse control and decision-making. It also maintains connections to other parts of the limbic system and thus plays a role in emotion and motivation.
The Anterior Cingulate Cortext
71
The outer surface of the brain. It is sometimes referred to as the neocortex because it is the most recent brain region to evolve.
The Cerebral Cortex
72
Bumps of the Cerebral Cortex.
Gyri
73
Folds of the Cerebral Cortex
Sulci
74
The cerebrum is divided into two halves called:
Cerebral Hemispheres
75
A division (lobe) of the Cerebral Cortex that is comprised of the two basic regions called the prefrontal cortex and the motor cortex.
The Frontal Lobe
76
A region of the frontal lobe that manages executive function by supervising and directing the operations of the other brain regions. This region also supervises processes associated with perception, memory, emotion, impulse control, and long-term planning. A person with damage (lesion) to this region may be more impulsive and generally less in control of their behavior.
The Prefrontal Cortex
77
An area that integrates input from diverse regions of the brain.
An Association Area
78
An area that performs rudimentary perceptual and motor tasks.
A Projection Area
79
A region of the frontal lobe whose main function is to initiate voluntary motor movements by sending neural impulses down the spinal cord toward the muscles.
The Primary Motor Cortex
80
This structure is where the primary motor cortex can be found and is located just in front of the central sulcus.
Precentral Gyrus
81
A structure that divides the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain.
Central Sulcus
82
A topographical representation of the body parts and their correspondents along the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe.
The Motor Homunculus
83
A division (lobe) of the Cerebral Cortex that contains the somatosensory cortex.
The Parietal Lobe
84
A region of the Parietal Lobe that is located on the postcentral gyrus and is involved in somatosensory information processing. This projection area is the destination for all incoming sensory signals for touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.
The Somatosensory Cortex
85
This structure is just behind the central sulcus and contains the somatosensory cortex on it.
The Postcentral Gyrus
86
A division (lobe) of the Cerebral Cortex that is at the very rear of the brain and contains the visual cortex.
The Occipital Lobe
87
Sometimes called the "striate" cortex, this region of the occipital lobe is responsible for the sensation and perception of visual information. It is one of the best-understood brain regions.
Visual Cortex
88
A division (lobe) of the Cerebral Cortex that contains the auditory cortex and Wernicke's area. This lobe also functions in memory processing, emotion, and language.
The Temporal Lobe
89
A region of the Temporal Lobe that is the primary site of most sound processing, including speech, music, and other sound information.
The Auditory Cortex
90
Located in the temporal lobe, this area is associated with language reception and comprehension. Damage to this area results in the patient being able to speak clearly but not being able to comprehend what is being said to them.
Wernicke's Area
91
When one side of the brain (a cerebral hemisphere) communicates with the opposite side of the body. An example is when the motor neurons of the left brain activate movements of the right side of the body. This communication is:
Contralateral
92
When one side of the brain (a cerebral hemisphere) communicates with the same side of the body. An example is hearing. This communication is:
Ipsilateral
93
The left cerebral hemisphere. Primarily controls analytic function, making it well-suited for managing details.
The Dominant Hemisphere
94
The right cerebral hemisphere. Associated with intuition, creativity, music cognition, and spatial processing.
The Nondominant Hemisphere
95
A chemical used by neurons to send signals to other neurons.
A Neurotransmitter
96
A drug that mimics the action of some neurotransmitter.
An Agonist
97
A drug that blocks the action of neurotransmitters.
An Antagonist
98
A neurotransmitter found in both the central and peripheral nervous system. Its role in the PNS is to transmit nerve impulses to the muscles. Its role in the CNS is linked to attention and arousal.
Acetylcholine
99
Also classified as monoamines or biogenic amines, this generalization includes three closely related neurotransmitters: Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine. These play an important role in the experience of emotions.
Catecholamines
100
Also known as adrenaline. This catecholamine is secreted from the adrenal medulla to act systematically as a hormone. Involved in controlling alertness and wakefulness (fight-or-flight response)
Epinephrine
101
Also known as noradrenaline. This catecholamine acts on a local level to help promote the fight-or-flight response. Low levels are associated with depression, and high levels are associated with anxiety and mania.
Norepinephrine
102
This catecholamine plays an important role in movement and posture. Imbalances in the transmission of this neurotransmitter have been found to play a role in schizophrenia.
Dopamine
103
A hypothesis that argues that delusions, hallucinations, and agitation associated with schizophrenia arise from either too much dopamine or from an oversensitivity to dopamine in the brain.
The Dopamine Hypothesis of Schizophrenia
104
Also classified as a monoamine neurotransmitter, its thought to play a role in regulating mood, eating, sleeping, and dreaming. Also thought to play a role in depression and mania.
Serotonin
105
A neurotransmitter that produces inhibitory postsynaptic potentials and is thought to play a role in stabilizing neural activity in the brain. Causes hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane.
GABA (y-aminobutyric acid)
106
An amino acid that functions similarly to GABA and can serve as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS by increasing chloride influx into the neuron.
Glycine
107
An amino acid that can serve as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS
Glutamate
108
Peptides that are involved in neurotransmission. They are relatively slow and have longer effects on the post-synaptic cell than neurotransmitters.
Neuromodulators (neuropeptides)
109
Natural painkillers produced in the brain and are the most important peptides to know.
Endorphins (relatives to enkephalins)
110
The internal communication network in the body that uses hormones.
The Endocrine System
111
The chemical messengers of the Endocrine system.
Hormones
112
The structure that directly connects the Hypothalamus to the Pituitary Gland. Control is also maintained here.
The Hypophyseal Portal System
113
The "master" gland located at the base of the brain. Is divided into anterior and posterior parts. Overall it secretes various hormones into the bloodstream.
The Pituitary Gland
114
A division of the pituitary gland that functionally releases hormones that regulate the activities of endocrine glands elsewhere in the body. The structure itself in controlled by the Hypothalamus.
The Anterior Pituitary Gland
115
Located on top of the kidneys and is divided into two parts: the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex.
The Adrenal Glands
116
A division of the adrenal glands that releases epinephrine and norepinephrine as a part of the sympathetic nervous system.
The Adrenal Medulla
117
A division of the adrenal glands that produces hormones called corticosteroids and it also contributes to sexual functioning by releasing the hormones of testosterone and estrogen.
The Adrenal Cortex
118
The corticosteroid and stress hormone released by the adrenal cortex.
Cortisol
119
The hormones responsible for sexual functioning and that are produced by the adrenal cortex.
Testosterone and Estrogen
120
The sex glands of the body. Ovaries in females and testes in males. Produce sex hormones in higher concentration.
The Gonads
121
The term for sexual desire. This can be increased by higher concentrations of sex hormones.
Libido
122
Behavior that is genetically programmed as a result of evolution and is seen in individuals regardless of environment or experience.
Innate Behavior
123
Behavior not based on heredity but instead based on experience or environment.
Learned Behavior
124
The extent to which a trait or behavior positively benefits a species by influencing the evolutionary fitness of the species. This leads to adaptation through natural selection.
Adaptive Value
125
How much of an individual's behavior is based on genetic makeup and how much is based on environment and experiences?
The Nature vs Nurture Question
126
A term in the Nature vs Nurture Question. This refers to the influence of inherited cahracteristics on behavior.
Nature
127
A term in the Nature vs Nurture Question. This refers to the influence of environment and physical surroundings on behavior.
Nurture
128
One of the methods used to determine genetic influence on behavior. Relies on the fact that genetically related individuals are more similar genotypically than unrelated individuals.
Family Studies
129
One of the methods used to determine genetic influence on behavior. Compares concordance rates for a trait between monozygotic and dizygotic twins. By doing this, we are better able to distinguish the relative effects of shared environment and genetics
Twin Studies
130
The term used for identical twins.
Monozygotic (MZ)
131
The term used for fraternal twins.
Dizygotic (DZ)
132
Refers to the likelihood that both twins exhibit the same trait.
Concordance Rates
133
One of the methods used to determine genetic influence on behavior. Compares the similarities between biological relatives and the adopted child to similarities between adoptive relatives and the adopted child.
Adoption Studies
134
In Prenatal Development, the specific periods where children are susceptible to environmental factors. The absence of the appropriate environmental factors may result in failure to learn a given skill or trait during these periods, which may also mean learning that skill, later on, will be difficult or impossible.
Critical Periods
135
In Prenatal Development, this occurs when the ectoderm overlying the notochord begins to furrow, forming a neural groove surrounded by two neural folds.
Neurulation
136
In Prenatal Development, cells at the leading edge of the neural fold are called this. They will eventually mitigate throughout the body to form disparate tissues, including dorsal root ganglia, melanocytes, and calcitonin-producing cells of the thyroid.
Neural Crest
137
The remainder of the furrow after Neurulation closes to form this structure, which will ultimately form the central nervous system (CNS).
Neural Tube
138
A part of the Neural Tube, this structure will differentiate into sensory neurons.
Alar Plate
139
A part of the Neural Tube, this structure will differentiate into motor neurons.
Basal Plate
140
In Prenatal Development, this structure attaches the fetus to the uterine wall and placenta.
The Umbilical Cord
141
In Prenatal Development, this structure transmits food, oxygen, and water to the fetus while returning water and waste to the mother.
The Placenta
142
A behavior that occurs in response to a given stimulus without higher cognitive input.
A Reflex
143
The reflexes that disappear with age.
Primitive Reflexes
144
A primitive reflex that is the automatic turning of the head in the direction of a stimulus that touches the cheek, such as the nipple during feeding.
Rooting Reflex
145
A primitive reflex that occurs when infants react to abrupt movements of their heads by flinging out their arms, then slowly retracting their arms and crying.
Moro Reflex
146
A primitive reflex that causes the toes to spread apart automatically when the sole of the foot is stimulated.
Babinski Reflex
147
A primitive reflex that occurs when an infant closes their fingers around an object placed in their hand.
Grasping Reflex
148
One of the two classes of motor skills. These incorporate movement from large muscle groups and whole body motion such as sitting, crawling, and walking.
Gross Motor Skills
149
One of the two classes of motor skills. Involve the smaller muscles of the fingers, toes, and eyes providing more specific and delicate movement.
Fine Motor Skills
150
The fear and apprehension of unfamiliar individuals.
Stranger Anxiety
151
The fear and apprehension of unfamiliar individuals.
Stranger Anxiety
152
The fear of being separated from the parental figure.
Separation Anxiety
153
The abilities and behaviors expected to emerge at particular times in a person's development.
Developed Milestones
