Biological Psychology Flashcards
Neuron
nerve cell specialized for communication
Dendrite
portion of neuron that receives signals
axon
portion of neuron that sends signals
synaptic vesicle
spherical sac containing neurotransmitters
neurotransmitter
neurotransmitter
chemical messenger specialized for communication from neuron to neuron
synapse
synapse
space between two connecting neurons through which messages are transmitted chemically
glial cell
glial cell
cell in nervous system that plays a role in the formation of myelin and the blood–brain barrier, responds to injury, removes debris, and enhances learning and memory
myelin sheath
myelin sheath
glial cells wrapped around axons that act as insulators of the neuron’s signal
resting potential
electrical charge difference (–60 millivolts) across the neuronal membrane, when the neuron is not being stimulated or inhibited
action potential
electrical impulse that travels down the axon triggering the release of neurotransmitters
absolute refractory period
time during which another action potential is impossible; limits maximal firing rate
receptor site
location that uniquely recognizes a neurotransmitter
reuptake
means of recycling neurotransmitters
neural plasticity
ability of the nervous system to change
The Endocrine System - adrenal gland
adrenal gland
tissue located on top of the kidneys that releases adrenaline and cortisol during states of emotional arousal
The Endocrine System - endocrine system
endocrine system
system of glands and hormones that
ReadctohentDroolscsuemcretniotnaotfmblyoaondt-hborornlaebchemical Sample Document Title Tex
The Endocrine System - hormone
hormone
Map tchemCiocanlcrepletaseadt mintyoatnhtehbrloloadbstream that Sample Cinoflnucepnt Tcietlse Tpeaxtrticular organs and glands
The Endocrine System - pituitary gland
pituitary gland
master gland that, under the control of the hypothalamus, directs the other glands of the body
central nervous system (CNS)
central nervous system (CNS)
part of nervous system containing brain and spinal cord that controls the mind and behavior
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
nerves in the body that extend outside the central nervous system (CNS)
cerebral ventricles
cerebral ventricles
pockets in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provide the brain with nutrients and cushion against injury
forebrain (or cerebrum)
forebrain (cerebrum)
forward part of the brain that allows advanced intellectual abilities
cerebral hemispheres
cerebral hemispheres
two halves of the cerebral cortex, each of which serve distinct yet highly integrated functions
corpus callosum
corpus callosum
large band of fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres
cerebral cortex
cerebral cortex
outermost part of forebrain, responsible for analyzing sensory processing and higher brain functions
frontal lobe
frontal lobe
forward part of cerebral cortex responsible for motor function, language, memory, and planning
motor cortex
motor cortex
part of frontal lobe responsible for body movement