biopsychology (3) Flashcards
cells in the nervous system
1.) neurons
2.) glial cells
Neurons
central building blocks of the nervous system, send and receive messages
Glial Cells
provide structure for the nervous system, transport nutrients and waste products, immune response
Soma
the cell body of the neuron responsible for maintaining the life of the cell
Nucleus
Contains genetic material (DNA), which is basic information to manufacture all the proteins characteristic of that cell
Dendrites
Receive messages from the other neurons. Electrical signals between neurons are then sent to an extension of the soma
Axon
Carries the neural message from the cell body to the axon terminals for communication with other cells
Axon Terminals
Ends of axonal branches of the neuron, specialized for communication between cells
Terminal Buttons
Contain synaptic vesicles, which store neurotransmitters
Myelin Sheath
Fatty substances that coats the axons of neuron to insulate, protect, and speed up the neural impulse
Neurons communicate through
nerve impulses
Neurotramsitters
Chemical messengers found in the synaptic vesicles that, when released, have an effect on the next cell
Synapse
The synapse is the space between the terminal button of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron. The synapse always needs to be clear in order to regulate the production of neurotransmitters
Reuptake
Process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the synaptic vesicles. Involves the neurotransmitter being pumped back into the neuron that released it, in order to clear the synapse
Resting Potential
The state of readiness, when the neuron is not firing a neural impulse. Neuron is not firing Na+ moving into the cell
Action Potential
the release of the neural impulse (electrical signal moving down the neuron’s axon). Electrical signal get sent down to neurons axon
Threshold of Excitiation
level of charge in the membrane that causes the neuron to become active. Maximum level of Na+ or ion level reached, starters neural electrical reaction
Agonists
Mimic or Enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter
Antagonists
Block or Reduce the effects of a neurotransmitter
Somatic Nervous System
relays sensory and motor information to and from the CNS
Autonomic Nervous System
Nerves that control all the involuntary muscles, organs, and glands
Sympathetic
fight or flight, reactions to stressful events
Parasympathetic
day-to-day functioning, rest and digest
Spinal Cord
delivers messages, automatic reflexes
Brain
comprised of nerves and glia, bi-lateral, all areas interact
Sulci
Grooves on the brain
Lateralization
Concept that each hemisphere of the brain is associated with specialized functions.
Left hemisphere controls the right side of the body.
Right hemisphere controls the left side of the body.
Gyri
Bumps on the brain
Corpus Callosum
connects left and right side of the brain
Parts of the brain
Forebrain, Midbrain, and Hindbrain
Cerebral Cortex
The lobes of the brain,
1.) parietal
2.) occipital
3.) frontal
4.) temporal
Temporal Lobe
Hearing, memory, emotion, and language
Parietal Lobe
processing sensory information (touch, temperature, and pain)
Wernicke’s Area
in temporal lobe (speech comprehension)
Auditory Complex
In temporal lobe (responsible for auditory information)
Occipital Lobe
Visual processing, vision
Frontal Lobe
Planning, organizing, judgement, and reasoning.
Motor Cortex
plans and coordinates movement
Prefrontal Cortex
cognitive functioning
Broca’s Area
language production
Broca’s Aphasia
Damage to Broca’s area leads to difficulties producing language
Speaking impairment
Difficulty getting words out
Thalamus
relay center of the brain
Limbic System
emotional responses
Amygdala
emotional meaning to memory ex.) smell reminds of christmas or a fond/terrible memory
Hippocampus
learning and memory
Hypothalamus
regulates blood pressure, body temperature, and appetite
Hindbrain
Pons: connects brain to spinal cord
Medulla: controls breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate
Cerebellum: balance, coordination, and motor skills
Midbrain
Reticular formation: important in regulating the sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity
Substantia nigra & Ventral tegmental area (VTA): movement, mood, reward, and addiction control
sensory and motor control, hearing and vision
Forebrain
Cerebral cortex: surface of the brain that is associated with our highest mental capabilities such as consciousness, thought, emotion, reasoning, language, and memory
Broken into 4 lobes
Radiation Imaging
CT scan, PET scan
Magnetic Scans
MRI, fMRI
Electrical Scans
EEG
CT Scan
brain x-rays, shows brain tumors
PET Scan
radiation injected into blood stream, shows brain activity
MRI
pictures of tissue (brain structure)
fMRI
brain activity, blood oxygen levels
EEG
studies brain waves
Acetylcholine
learning, memory, muscle movement, associated with Alzheimer’s
Serotonin
mood, hunger, sleep/arousal, depression
Dopamine
Important for movement and frontal lobe activity;
schizophrenia (high), Parkinson’s disease (low)
