Biological SAQ Terminology Flashcards
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging shows a cross-section of the brain, allowing you to see the structure of the brain.
Localisation of function
Localisation of function is the idea that certain functions of the brain are associated with specific areas of the brain
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and streamline its performance as a result of experience, learning, or following an injury. It does this through synaptic pruning and dendritic branching
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that communicate information via electrical impulses throughout our brain and body. They transmit signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron’s terminal button to another neuron’s receptor site.
Hormone
Hormones are chemical messengers in our body that can influence our behaviour in multiple ways, usually travelling through the bloodstream
Neural networks
Series of connected neurons that information travels along, enabling us to do things.
Synaptic pruning
Synaptic pruning is the process of removing unnecessary neural networks in order to streamline the brain’s performance
Dendritic branching
Dendritic branching is the process of dendrites from one neuron branching out to establish connections with other neurons in order to streamline performance of the brain
Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which causes the body to feel a happy sensation such as a feeling of reward, this can however lead to addiction.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone linked to status-seeking and levels of aggression, most prominently found within males and majorly released from the testes in men or ovaries in women although small amounts are produced in adrenal glands
Post-mortem research
The study of the physical brain of a deceased person who displayed a particular behaviour while they were alive that suggested possible brain damage.
fMRI
Functional magnetic resonance imaging measures changes in oxygenated blood flow of the brain to determine neural activity as when a particular part of the brain is more active, it consumes more oxygen and the blood flow increases.
BOLD response
fMRIs measure the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) response in the MRI signals that arise from a change in neural activity in response to a task or stimulus.
Brain imaging
The most common types of brain imaging are EEG, MRI and fMRI, they have a common goal of aiming to produce coherent representations of the brain
Consequences of brain damage
They can range from subtle and temporary changes in ability and behaviour, to a profound and permanent reduction in basic skills and loss of control of emotion and behaviour such as retrograde and anterograde amnesia.
Long term potentiation
A process by which synaptic connections between neurons become stronger with frequent activation, thought to be a way in which the brain changes in response to experience
Neurotransmission
When a nerve impulse triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which are then released into the synapse and taken up by the receptors on the next neuron.
Neuron
A type of nerve cell found in the brain.
Synapse
The connection between two dendrites.
Acetycholine
A neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the normal function of the brain and body such as learning, memory, sleep and movement.
Agonist
A substance which binds to synaptic receptors and increases the effect of neurotransmitters.
Antagonist
A substance that bind to synaptic receptors and decreases the effect of neurotransmitters.
Internal validity
The extent to which a study actually demonstrates the relationship that it intended to.