Biopsychology Flashcards
cells in the nervous system that communicate with one another to perform information-processing tasks
neurons
There are more neurons in the brain than the number of _____.
stars in the universe
provide physical and metabolic support to neurons
glial cells
What functions do glial cells perform?
neuronal insulation, communication, nutrient transport, and waste transport
What type of cell acts as interconnected information processors?
neurons
What part of the neuron structure holds DNA, the genetic information?
nucleus
What part of the neuron structure sends out electrical impulses which holds information?
axon
What part of the neuron structure receives information?
dendrites
What part of the neuron structure is a rubber insulator that helps to transport information quickly?
myelin sheath
membrane potential of a neuron that is NOT sending signals to other neurons
resting potential
electric signal that is conducted along a neuron’s axon to a synapse
acting potential
chemicals that transmit information across the synapse to a receiving neuron’s dendrites
neurotransmitters
moving a transmitter from the synapse back into the axon terminal form where it was released
reuptake
What are some types of neurotransmitters?
- Acetylcholine (Ach)
- Dopamine (DA)
- Glutamate
- GABA
- Norephinephrine (NE)
- Serotonin (5-HT)
- Endorphins
- Oxytocin
What does acetylcholine control?
voluntary motor control (eg. tourettes, epilepsy, Parkinson’s)
What does dopamine do?
makes a person “feel good”
What type of neurotransmitter is glutamate?
“excitatory” (eg. Adderall, cocaine)
What type of neurotransmitter is GABA?
“inhibitory” (eg. alcohol)
What does norepinephrine control?
mood & arousal
What does serotonin regulate?
sleeping, eating, and aggressive behavior
What do endorphins target?
pain & emotion
What does oxytocin deal with?
attachment
What do psychoactive drugs do?
correct neurotransmitter imbalances
mimics a neurotransmitter at the receptor sit and strengthens its effects
agonists
blocks the normal activity of a neurotransmitter at the receptor site
antagonists
consists of the brain & spinal cord
central nervous system (CNS)
compromised of the somatic & autonomic nervous system
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
What are the actions that parasympathetic nerves do?
- constrict pupils
- stimulate saliva
- constrict airways
- slow heartbeat
- stimulate activity of stomach
- inhibit release of glucose
- stimulate gallbladder
- stimulate activity of intestines
- contract bladder
- promote erection of genitals
What are the actions that sympathetic nerves do?
- dilate pupils
- inhibit salivation
- relax airways
- increase heartbeat
- inhibit activity of stomach
- stimulate release of glucose
- inhibit gallbladder
- inhibit activity of intestines
- relax bladder
- promote ejaculation & vaginal contractions
- secrete epinephrine & norepinephrine
How does the immune system react during a fight or flight response?
is repressed
How do the lungs react during a fight or flight response?
- breathing becomes faster & shallower
- more oxygen is consumed
- more carbon dioxide is expelled
How does the heart react during a fight or flight response?
- beats faster
- pumps more blood
- blood pressure rises
- blood increases to muscles
- blood decreases to organs
How does the skin react during a fight or flight response?
sweating begins
How does the pancreas react during a fight or flight response?
- pumps out glucagon
- produces less insulin
- blood sugar levels rise
How does the endocrine system react during a fight or flight response?
- pumps out adrenaline, noradrenaline, & cortisol
- noradrenaline constricts blood vessels
- releases less growth hormones
- produces fewer sex hormones
What are the parts of the endocrine system?
- pineal gland
- hypothalamus
- thalamus
- pituitary gland
- adrenal glands
- pancreas
- uterus/ovaries (females)
- testes (males)
- thyroid
- trachea
- thymus
What are the parts of the thyroid?
- thyroid cartilage
- thyroid gland
- parathyroid glands
thick band of neural fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain and allows for communication between them
corpus callosum
What are the 3 regions of the brain?
forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain
What are the 4 lobes of the forebrain?
frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital
What does the frontal lobe contain?
motor cortex, prefrontal cortex, & Broca’s area
What does the motor cortex do?
plan & coordinate movement
What does the prefrontal cortex control?
higher-level cognitive functioning
What does Broca’s area focus on?
language production
What are the components of the parietal lobe?
somatosenory cortex & topographic organization
What does the somatosenosry cortex do?
process sensory information
What are the components of the temporal lobe?
auditory cortex, Wernicke’s area, & memory and emotion
What does the auditory cortex do?
processes auditory information
What does Wernicke’s area focus on?
speech comprehension
What are the components of the occipital lobe?
primary visual cortex & retinotopic organization
What are the components of the limbic system?
- amygdala
- hippocampus
- hypothalamus
structure involved in our experience of emotion and tying emotional meaning to our memories
amygdala
structure associate with learning and memory
hippocampus
regulates sexual motivation and behavior and a number of homeostatic processes
hypothalamus
Which part of the limbic system serves as an interface between neuron and the endocrine system?
hypothalamus
activate when an organisms engages in a behavior or observes another engage in that behavior
mirror neurons
each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body
brain lateralization
