Bio-psychology Flashcards
Glial Cells
Play supporting roles in the nervous system such as providing scaffolding in which the nervous system is built, helps neurons line up with each other, transports nutrients and waste products, provides insulation to neurons, and mediates immune responses
Neurons
Have fundamental communication having to do with all functions associated with the nervous system. Their outer surface is made up of a semipermeable membrane that allows smaller molecules and molecules without an electrical charge to pass through.
The Soma
The cell body where the nucleus is located
Dendrites
Branching extensions of the soma that contain receptors for the neurotransmitters released by nearby neutrons
Axons
Major extension from the soma
Terminal Buttons
At the end of the axon and contains synaptic vesicles that have neurotransmitters
Myelin Sheath
Crucial to the normal operation of neurons. Coats the axon and acts as an insulator. It’s not continuous and has gaps
Synaptic Cleft
A very small space between two neurons and a very important site where communication between neurons occurs
Corresponding Receptors
Proteins on the cell surface where neurotransmitters attach
Process Summary
The site where the dendrites receive signals from other neurons is the synapses. This signal is processed in the soma and if the signal is strong enough, it’s pushed down the axon. It reaches the terminal buttons, where another signal triggers neurotransmitters to be released passing through the synaptic cleft and onto the dendrites of another neuron
Membrane Potential
The difference in charge across the membrane which provides energy for the signal
Resting Potential
When the neuron membrane’s potential is held in a state of readiness with ions lined up on either side like a stretched out rubber band
Depolarization
When a cell’s charge becomes positive or less negative
Threshold of Excitement
Once the charge reaches this point, there is a massive influx of Na+ ions and a huge positive spike in the membrane potential. At the peak of the spike, the sodium gates close and the potassium gates open, allowing positive ions to leave
Action Potential
Caused by the positive spike and is an electrical signal that moves down the axon to the terminal buttons
Reuptake
The process in which extra neurotransmitters are pumped back into the neuron they came from in order to clear the synapses
Agonists
Chemicals that mimic a neurotransmitter at the receptor site and strengthens it’s effects
Antagonists
Blocks normal activity of a neurotransmitter at the receptor
Reuptake Inhibitors
Prevent unused neurotransmitters at the receptor site from being transported back to its original neuron and remain active in the synapses longer
SARIs
Drugs that act as both antagonists and reuptake inhibitors
Peripheral Nervous System
Comprised of both the somatic and autonomic nervous system, and connects the CNS to the rest of the body
Somatic Nervous System
Transmits sensory and motor signals to and from the central nervous system
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
Parasympathetic Activation
Normal functioning under relaxed conditions
The Endocrine System
Consists of a series of glands that release hormones
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Comprised of the brain and the spinal cord
Hormones
Chemical messengers that must bind onto a receptor in order to send their signal
Behavioral Endocrinology
The study of the interaction between hormones and behavior
Pituitary Gland
Descends from the hypothalamus at the base of the brain and is referred to as the “Master Gland” since its messenger hormones control all the other glands in the nervous system. It carries out instructions from the hypothalamus. In addition, it contains growth hormones, endorphins for pain relief, and other key hormones that regulate fluid levels in the body
Thyroid Gland
Located in the neck and releases hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and appetite
Adrenal Glands
Sit on top of our kidneys and secrete hormones involved in stress response such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and nor epinephrine (nor adrenaline)
Pancreas
An internal organ that secretes hormones that regulate blood sugar levels called insulin and glucagen
Gonads
Secrete sexual hormones which are important to reproduction
Spinal Cord
A smart relay station that allows the brain to act by routing messages to and from the brain, and has a system of automatic processes like reflexes
Neuroplasticity
The ability of the nervous system to change and adapt
Cerebral Cortex
The surface of the brain that has folds called gyri and grooves called sulci. These separate the brain into functional centers. It’s associated with conscious thought, emotion, reasoning, language, reasoning, and memory
Longitudinal Fissure
The most prominent sulci which is a deep groove that separates the brain into the left and right hemisphere
Lateralization
The specialization of certain functions in each hemisphere. The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and the right hemisphere controls the left side
Left Hemisphere
Specializes in associations with memory, selective attention, and positive emotions
Right Hemisphere
Specializes in pitch perception, arousal, and negative emotions
Corpus Callosum
A thick band of fibers that connect the two hemispheres and allows them to communicate
Forebrain
Contains the two Hemispheres, Cerebral Cortex, and Subcortical Structure such as the thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and the limbic system
Frontal Lobe
Reasoning, motor control, emotion, language. Contains the Prefrontal Cortex, Broca’s Area, and the Primary Motor Cortex
Parietal Lobe
Processing info from bodily senses. Contains the Somatosensory Cortex
Temporal Lobe
Hearing , memory, emotion, some aspects of language. Contains the Auditory Cortex and Wernicke’s Area
Occital Lobe
Info processed through sight. Contains the Primary Visual Cortex
Thalamus (Frontal Lobe)
A sensory relay for the brain. All of our senses except for smell are routed through here
Limbic System (Frontal Lobe)
Made up of different structures that process both emotion and memory
Hippocampus (Frontal Lobe)
Essential for learning and memory
Amygdala
Our experience of emotion and tying emotion to memories
Hypothalamus
Regulates a number of homeostatic processes and serves as an interface between the nervous system and the endocrine system
The Midbrain
Comprised of structures located deep within the brain between the forebrain and the hindbrain.
Reticular Formation (mid)
Regulates sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity
Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area (mid)
Contain cell bodies that produce dopamine and are critical for movement. Involved in mood, reward, and addiction
Hindbrain
Looks like an extension of the spinal cord. Contains the medulla, pons, and cerebellum
Medulla (hind)
Controls the automatic processes of the autonomic nervous system like breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate
Pons (hind)
Connects the hindbrain to to the rest of the brain and is involved in regulating brain activity during sleep
