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Intro To Psych > C2 The Biological Perspective > Flashcards

C2 The Biological Perspective Flashcards

1
Q

Biological Psychology or Behavioral Neuroscience:

A

Branch of neuroscience that focuses on the biological bases of psychological processes, behavior, and learning

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2
Q

The brain is made up of which two types of cells?

A

Neurons and glial cells

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3
Q

Define the function of a Neuron:

A

The neuron is the specialized cell in the nervous system that receives and sends messages within that system

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4
Q

What are the three main task of neurons:

A

1.) Receive information from the neurons that feed it.
2.) Carry information down its length.
3.) Pass the information on to the next neuron.

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5
Q

Nervous System

A

An extensive network of specialized cells that carries information to and from all parts of the body

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6
Q

Neuroscience

A

A branch of life science that deals with the structure and function of neurons, nerves, and cells.

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7
Q

Neuron

A

The basic cell that makes up the nervous system and that receives and sends messages within that system

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8
Q

Dendrites

A

Branchlike structure of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons

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9
Q

Soma

A

The cell body of the neuron responsible for maintaining the life of the cell

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10
Q

Axon

A

Tubelike structure of neuron that carries the neural message from the cell body to the axon terminals, for communication with other cells.

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11
Q

Axon Terminals

A

Enlarged ends of axonal branches of the neuron, specialized for communication between cells

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12
Q

Glial cells

A

Cells that provide support for the neurons to grow on and around, deliver nutrients to neurons, provides myelin to coat axons, cleans up waste products and dead neurons, influence information processing, and , during prenatal development, influence the generation of new neurons.

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13
Q

Myelin

A

Fatty substances produced by certain glial cells that coat the axons of neuron to insulate. Protect, and speed up the neural impulse.

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14
Q

N erves

A

Bundles of axons coated in myelin that travel together through the body.

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15
Q

Diffusion

A

Process of molecules moving from areas of high concentration to areas of high concentration to areas low concentration.

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16
Q

Resting Potential

A

That state of the neuron when not firing a neural impulse.

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17
Q

Action Potential

A

The release of the neural impulse, consisting of a reversal of the electrical charge within the axon.

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18
Q

All-or-None

A

Referring to the fact that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all.

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19
Q

Synaptic Vesicles

A

Saclike structures found inside the synaptic knob containing chemicals.

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20
Q

Neurotransmitter

A

Chemical found in the synaptic vesicles that when released, has an effect on the next cell.

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21
Q

Synapse
(Synaptic Gap)

A

Microscope fluid-filled space between the axon terminals of one cell and the dendrites or soma of the next cell.

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22
Q

Receptor Sites

A

Three-dimensional proteins on the surface of the dendrites or certain cells of the muscles and glands, which are shaped to fit only certain neurotransmitters.

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23
Q

Reuptake

A

Process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the synaptic vesicles.

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24
Q

Enzymatic Degradation

A

Process by which the structure of a neurotransmitter is altered so it can no longer act as a receptor.

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25
Oligodendrocytes
Produce myelin in the central nervous system
26
Schwann C ells
Produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system
27
Lesioning
Insertion of a thin, insulated electrode into the brain through which an electrical current is sent, destroying the brain cells at the tip of the wire.
28
Computed Tomography ( CT Scan)
Brain- imaging method using computer-controlled X-rays of the brain.
29
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Brain-imaging method using radio waves and magnetic fields of the body to produce detailed images of the brain.
30
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
Uses MRI data to estimate the location and orientation of the brain’s white matter tracts.
31
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
A recording of the electrical activity of large groups of cortical neurons just below the skull, most often using scalp electrodes.
32
Positron Emission Topography (PET Scan )
Brain-imaging method in which radioactive sugar is injected into the subject and a computer compiles a color-coded image activity of the brain.
33
functional Magnetic Reasoning (fMri)
MRI- based brain-imaging method that allows for functional examination of the brain areas through changes in brain oxygenation.
34
Near-Infrared-Spectroscopy (NIRS)
A functional brain imaging method that measures brain activity using infrared light to determine changes in blood oxygen levels in the brain.
35
Medulla
The first large swelling at the top of the spinal cord, forming the lowest part of the brain, which is responsible for life-sustaining functions. (ie breathing, swallowing, and heart rate.)
36
Pons
The large swelling above the medulla that connects the top of the brain to the bottom and that plays a part in the sleep, dreaming, left-right body coordination, and arousal.
37
Reticular Formation (RF)
An area of neurons running through the middle of the medulla and the pons and slightly beyond Thai is responsible for general attention, alertness, and arousal.
38
Cerebellum
Part of the lower brain located behind the pons that controls and coordinates on voluntary, rapid, fine motor movement and may have some cognitive functions.
39
Limbic System
A group of several brain structures located primarily under the cortex and involved in learning, emotion, memory, and motivation.
40
Thalamus
Part of the limbic system located in the center of the brain, this structure relays sensory information from the lower part of the brain to the proper areas of the cortex and processes some sensory information before sending it to the proper area.
41
Olfactory Bulbs
Two bulb-like projections of the brain located just above the sinus cavity and just below the frontal lobes that receive information from the olfactory receptor cells.
42
Hypothalamus
Small structure of the brain located below the thalamus and directly above the pituitary gland, responsible for motivation behavior (ie sleep, hunger, thirst, and sex.)
43
Hippocampus
Curved structure located within each temporal lobe, responsible for the formation of long-term declarative memories.
44
Amygdala
Brain structure located near the hippocampus, responsible for fear responses and memory of fear.
45
Cingulate Cortex
Primary cortical component of the limbic system, involved in emotional and cognitive processing.
46
Cortex
Outermost covering of the brain consisting of densely packed neurons, responsible for higher thought processes and interpretation of sensory input.
47
Cerebrum
The upper part of the brain consisting of the two hemispheres and the structures that connect them.
48
Cerebral Hemispheres
The two sections of the cortex on the left and right sides of the brain.
49
Corpus Callosum
Thick band of neurons that connect the right and left cerebral hemispheres.
50
Occipital Lobe
Section of the brain located at the rear and bottom of each cerebral hemisphere containing the primary visual centers of the brain.
51
Parietal Lobe
Sections of the brain located at he top and back of each cerebral hemisphere containing the centers for touch, temperature, and body position.
52
Somatosensory Cortex
Area of the cortex at the front of the parietal lobes responsible for processing information from the skin and internal body receptors for touch, temperature, and body position.
53
Temporal Lobes
Areas of the cortex located along the side of the brain, starting just behind the temples, containing the neurons responsible for the sense of hearing and meaningful speech.
54
Frontal Lobes
Areas of the brain located in the front and top, responsible for higher mental processes and decision making as well as the production of fluent speech.
55
Motor Cortex
Rear section of the frontal lobe, responsible for sending motor commands to the muscles of the somatic nervous system.
56
Mirror Neurons
Neurons that fire when an animal or person performs an action and also when an animal or person observes the same action being performed by another.
57
Association Areas
Areas within each lobe of the cortex responsible for the coordination and interpretation of information, as well as higher mental processing.
58
Broca’s Aphasia
Condition resulting from damage to Broca’s area, causing the affected person to be unable to speak fluently, to mispronounce words, and to speak haltingly.
59
Wernicke’s Aphasia
Condition resulting from damage to Wernicke’s area, causing the affected person to be unable to understand or produce meaningful language.
60
Spatial Neglect
Condition produced most often by damage to the parietal lobe association areas of the right hemisphere, resulting in an inability to recognize objects or body parts in the left visual field.
61
Left Hemisphere
- Controls the right hand - Spoken language - Written Language - Mathematical calculations - Logical thought processes - Analysis of detail - Reading
62
Right Hemisphere
- Controls the left hand - Nonverbal - Visual-spatial perception - Music and artistic processing - Emotional thought and recognition - Processes the whole - Pattern recognition - Facial recognition
63
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and the spinal cord.
64
The Brain
The core of the nervous system, the part that makes sense of the information receives from the senses, makes decisions, and sends commands out to the muscles and the rest of the body, of needed.
65
Spinal Cord
A long bundle of neurons that carries messages between the body and the brain and is responsible for very fast, life-saving reflexes.
66
Afferent (sensory) Neuron
A neuron that carries information from the senses to the central nervous system.
67
Efferent (motor) Neuron
A neuron that carries messages from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body.
68
Interneuron
A neuron found in the center of the spinal cord that receives information from the afferent neurons and sends commands to the muscles through the efferent neurons. Interneurons also make up the bulk of the neurons in the brain.
69
Reflex Arc
The connection of the afferent neurons to the interneurons to the efferent neurons, resulting in a reflex action.
70
Neuroplasticity
The ability within the brain to constantly change both the structure and function of many cells in response to experience or trauma.
71
Neurogenesis
The formation of new neurons: occurs primarily during prenatal development but may also occur at lesser levels in some brain areas during adulthood.
72
Stem Cells
Special cells found in all the tissues of the body that are capable of becoming other cell types when those cells need to be replaced due to damage or wear and tear.
73
Epigenetics
The interaction between genes and environmental factors that include gene activity; environmental factors include diet, life experiences, and physical surroundings.
74
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
All nerves and neurons that are not contained in the brain and spinal cord but that run through the body itself.
75
Somatic Nervous System
Division of the PNS consisting of nerves that carry information from the senses to the CNS and from the CNS to the voluntary muscles of the body.
76
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Division of the PNS consisting of nerves that control all of the involuntary muscles, organs, and glands.
77
Sensory Pathway
Nerves coming from the sensory organs to the CNS consisting of afferent neurons.
78
Motor Pathway
Nerves coming from the CNS to the voluntary muscles, consisting of efferent neurons.
79
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
Sympathetic Division: (Fight-or-Flight) part of the ANS that is responsible for reacting to stressful events and bodily arousal.
80
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)
Parasympathetic division ( eat-drink-and-rest system) Part of the ANS that restores the body to normal functioning after arousal and is responsible for day-to-day functioning of the organs and glands.
81
Endocrine Glands
Glands that secrete chemicals called hormones directly into the bloodstream.
82
Hormones
Chemicals released into the bloodstream by endocrine glands.
83
Pituitary Gland ( master gland)
Gland located in the brain that secretes human growth hormones and influences all other hormone-secreting glands.
84
Oxytocin
Hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland that is involved in reproductive and parental behaviors.
85
Pineal Gland
Endocrine gland located near the base of the cerebrum: secretes melatonin
86
Thyroid Gland
Endocrine gland found in the neck; regulates metabolism; secretes thyroxine
87
Pancreas
Endocrine gland that controls the level of sugar in the blood; secretes insulin and glucagon
88
Gonads
Sex glands; secretes hormones that regulate sexual development and behavior as well as reproduction
89
Ovaries
Female gonades ore sex glands; secretes estrogen and progesterone
90
Testes
Testicles the male gonads or sex glands; secretes testosterone
91
Adrenal Glands
Endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that secrete over 30 different hormones to deal with stress, regulate salt intake, and provide a secondary source of sex hormones affecting the sexual changes that occur during adolescence; secretes cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Intro To Psych (6 decks)

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