C2 The Biological Perspective Flashcards
Biological Psychology or Behavioral Neuroscience:
Branch of neuroscience that focuses on the biological bases of psychological processes, behavior, and learning
The brain is made up of which two types of cells?
Neurons and glial cells
Define the function of a Neuron:
The neuron is the specialized cell in the nervous system that receives and sends messages within that system
What are the three main task of neurons:
1.) Receive information from the neurons that feed it.
2.) Carry information down its length.
3.) Pass the information on to the next neuron.
Nervous System
An extensive network of specialized cells that carries information to and from all parts of the body
Neuroscience
A branch of life science that deals with the structure and function of neurons, nerves, and cells.
Neuron
The basic cell that makes up the nervous system and that receives and sends messages within that system
Dendrites
Branchlike structure of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons
Soma
The cell body of the neuron responsible for maintaining the life of the cell
Axon
Tubelike structure of neuron that carries the neural message from the cell body to the axon terminals, for communication with other cells.
Axon Terminals
Enlarged ends of axonal branches of the neuron, specialized for communication between cells
Glial cells
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.
Myelin
Fatty substances produced by certain glial cells that coat the axons of neuron to insulate. Protect, and speed up the neural impulse.
N erves
Bundles of axons coated in myelin that travel together through the body.
Diffusion
Process of molecules moving from areas of high concentration to areas of high concentration to areas low concentration.
Resting Potential
That state of the neuron when not firing a neural impulse.
Action Potential
The release of the neural impulse, consisting of a reversal of the electrical charge within the axon.
All-or-None
Referring to the fact that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all.
Synaptic Vesicles
Saclike structures found inside the synaptic knob containing chemicals.
Neurotransmitter
Chemical found in the synaptic vesicles that when released, has an effect on the next cell.
Synapse
(Synaptic Gap)
Microscope fluid-filled space between the axon terminals of one cell and the dendrites or soma of the next cell.
Receptor Sites
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.
Reuptake
Process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the synaptic vesicles.
Enzymatic Degradation
Process by which the structure of a neurotransmitter is altered so it can no longer act as a receptor.
Oligodendrocytes
Produce myelin in the central nervous system
Schwann C ells
Produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system
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.
Computed Tomography
( CT Scan)
Brain- imaging method using computer-controlled X-rays of the brain.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI)
Brain-imaging method using radio waves and magnetic fields of the body to produce detailed images of the brain.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging
(DTI)
Uses MRI data to estimate the location and orientation of the brain’s white matter tracts.
Electroencephalogram
(EEG)
A recording of the electrical activity of large groups of cortical neurons just below the skull, most often using scalp electrodes.
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.
functional Magnetic Reasoning
(fMri)
MRI- based brain-imaging method that allows for functional examination of the brain areas through changes in brain oxygenation.
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.
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.)
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.