Biological Factors 2a Flashcards
Examines the relationship between mind and body, neural mechanisms, and the influence of heredity on behavior.
Biological Psychology
body’s nerve cells which make up the nervous system
neuron
-input fibers that carry electrical signals into a neuron from connected cells.
dendrite
A long, tubular structure in a neuron that transmits action potentials
axon
a layer of fatty cells – also called glial cells – that surround the axon fibers of the neuron
myelin sheath
occurs when a neuron transmits an electrical charge down its axon, which terminates in the release of chemical signals in the form of neurotransmitters
action potential
the limits of one’s perceptions
threshold
where the end of one neuron meets the beginning of another neuron
synapse
a chemical messenger inside the body, produced only in the neurons
neurotransmitters
neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and muscle contraction
acetylcholine
neurotransmitters linked to reduced pain and increased pleasure
endorphins
Consists of all the nerve cells. It is the body’s speedy, electrochemical communication system.
nervous system
the entire complex of neurons, axons, and supporting tissue that constitute the brain and spinal cord. Primarily involved in mental activities and in coordinating and integrating incoming sensory messages and outgoing motor messages
central nervous system
all the nerves that branch out from the CNS components and extend to other parts of the body – to the sense organs, muscles, and glands. A communication relay going back and forth between the brain and the extremities
peripheral nervous system
neural “cables” containing many axons
nerves
nerves responsible for sensing a stimulus
sensory neurons
nerves responsible for carrying signals away from the central nervous system in order to initiate an action
motor neurons
any neuron that is neither sensory nor motor but connects other neurons within the central nervous system
interneurons
division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles
somatic nervous system
the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
autonomic nervous system
the division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations
sympathetic nervous system
ubdivision of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which regulates bodily functions which are outside of voluntary control, therefore being automatic
parasympathetic nervous system
Innate motor responses that are triggered by specific patterns of sensory stimulation
reflex
artifical network or mathematical model for information processing based on how neurons and synapses work in the human brain
neural networks
a system of glands that secretes hormones into the circulatory system. Includes the ovaries and testes, the pituitary gland, the thyroid, and pineal glands. Controls growth and development, reproduction, and body metabolism.
endocrine system
chemical messengers that are secreted by endocrine glands
hormones
responsible for releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine
adrenal glands
gland located at the base of the brain producing hormones that control other glands and which affects metabolism, bone growth and sexual maturity. “Master Gland”
pituitary gland
tissue destruction
leison
amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain’s surface
electroencephalogram
Used to evaluate cerebral metabolism and blood flow as well as the binding and transport of neurotransmitter systems in the brain
positron emission tomography scan
technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue
magnetic resonance imaging
technique for revealing bloodflow and brain activity by comparing successive scans
functional MRI
The central core of the brain, it connects the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for automatic functions
brainstem
controls automatic (involuntary) functions of the body, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Part of brainstem
medulla
nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal
reticular formation
brain’s sensory switchboard
thalamus
plays a role in motor control and movement including balance, subtle movement, and equilibrium. It also plays a role in cognitive functions such as attention and language.
cerebellum
the overall system of the brain that regulates emotions and controls behavior. Includes the Hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, and other structures
limbic system
the center of emotion and motivations. Is responsible for fear responses and learning out of fearful situations.
amygdala
regulates the autonomic nervous system by producing and releasing hormones. Through its influence on the endocrine system, it can regulate sleep-wake cycles, respiration, and other autonomic responses.
hypothalamus
intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres. It is the body’s ultimate control and information processing center
cerebral cortex
Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons
glial cells
located at the front portion of the brain and is home to many important brain structures including the primary motor cortex, prefrontal cortex, and Broca’s area. Regulates voluntary movements such as walking. Different areas of the cortex control different areas of the body
frontal lobes
located at the top of the brain, between the frontal and occipital lobe. It consists of the somatosensory cortex and is responsible for integrating sensory information from different parts of the body, especially visual information related to navigation and spatial orientation
parietal lobes
portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields
occipital lobes
located beneath the lateral fissure on the cerebral hemisphere. Its primary function is processing auditory sensory input and is the location of the primary auditory cortex and Wernicke’s area. However, it also plays a role in interpreting meaning from visual stimuli and object recognition
temporal lobes
An area at the rear of the frontal lobe that controls voluntary movements
motor cortex
the site that registers touch, pressure, temperature, and pain in the cerebral cortex. This area is also responsible for awareness associated with bodily movement and position
sensory cortex
located in the cerebral cortex. They act in learning, speech, memory, etc. These functions are considered to be higher mental functions. These are not involved in motor or sensory functions
association areas
impairment of language, usually caused by left. hemisphere damage either to Broca’s area (impairing speaking) or to Wernicke’s area (impairing understanding)
aphasia
located in the left hemisphere in the frontal lobe. This area is responsible for speech production and language comprehension
broca’s area
the language area that is responsible for comprehending spoken word as well as formulating written and spoken language
wernicke’s area
brain’s ability to reorganize itself after an accident or tragedy OR modify itself in response to experience/a change
plasticity
the bridge. between the left and right. hemispheres. Allows two sides to work together on tasks
corpus callosum
A condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brain’s two hemispheres by cutting the fibers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) connecting them
split brain
