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PSYCH 100 > CH 2: The Biology of the Brain > Flashcards

CH 2: The Biology of the Brain Flashcards

(1) Neural and Hormonal Systems - (2) Tools and Discovery of Older Brain Structures - (3) The Cerebral Cortex and our Divided Brain - (4) Genetics, Evolutionary Psychology, and Behavior.

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1
Q

Biological Psychology

A

The scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes.

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2
Q

What is a Biological Psychologist?

A

Scientists that study the links between Biology and Behavior.

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3
Q

Neuron

A

A nerve cell; the basic building blocks of the nervous system.

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4
Q

What are Dendrites and what are their function?

A

A Neuron’s often bushy, branching extensions that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.

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5
Q

What is an Axon and what is it’s function?

A

The neuron extension that passes messages through it’s branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands.

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6
Q

What is the Myelin Sheath and what is it’s function?

A

A fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of some neurons; insulates them and enables vastly greater transmission speed as neural impulses hop from one node to the next.

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7
Q

What are Glial Cells?

A

Spidery cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons; they may also play a role in learning, thinking, and memory.

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8
Q

What is Action Potential?

A

A neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an Axon.

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9
Q

What are Ions?

A

Negatively charged Atoms.

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10
Q

What is a neural Threshold?

A

The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.

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11
Q

What is a neural Refractory Period?

A

In Neuroscience:
It is a brief resting pause that occurs after a neuron has fired; subsequent action potentials cannot occur until the Axon returns to it’s resting state.

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12
Q

What is a neural All-or-None Response?

A

A neuron’s reaction of either firing (with a full-strength response) or not firing.

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13
Q

How does our nervous system allow us to experience the difference between a slap and a tap on the back?

A

Stronger stimuli (the slap) cause more neurons to fire and to fire more frequently than happens with weaker stimuli (the tap).

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14
Q

What is a neural Synapse?

A
  • The junction between the Axon tip of the sending Neuron and the Dendrite or Cell Body of the receiving Neuron.
  • The tiny gap at this junction is called the Synaptic Gap or Synaptic Cleft.
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15
Q

Who discovered / noticed that neural impulses were taking an unexpectedly long time to travel a neural pathway?

A

British Physiologist Sir Charles Sherrington (1857-1952)

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16
Q

What happens when an Action Potential reaches the knob-like terminals at an Axon’s end?

A

It triggers the release of chemical messengers, called Neurotransmitters.

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17
Q

What are Neurotransmitters?

A

Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons. When released by the sending neuron, neurotransmitters travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron, thereby influencing whether that neuron will generate a neural impulse.

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18
Q

What is neural Reuptake?

A

A process in which the excess neurotransmitter drift away, are broken down by enzymes, or are reabsorbed by the sending neuron.

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19
Q

What happens in the Synaptic Gap?

A

Neurons send neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) across this tiny space between one neuron’s terminal branch and the next neuron’s dendrite or cell body.

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20
Q

What is the function of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh)?

A

It plays a role in learning and memory. It is also the messenger at every junction between motor neurons and skeletal muscles. When ACh is released to our muscle cell receptors, the muscle contracts.

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21
Q

Who made an exciting discovery about neurotransmitters when they attached a radioactive tracer to morphine, showing where it was taken up in an animal’s brain.

A

Candace Pert and Solomon Snyder (1973)

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22
Q

What is the function of the neurotransmitter Dopamine?

A

Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion.

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23
Q

What is the function of the neurotransmitter Serotonin?

A

Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal.

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24
Q

What is the function of the neurotransmitter Norepinephrine?

A

Helps control alertness and arousal.

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25
Q

What is the function of the neurotransmitter GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric Acid)?

A

A major inhibitory-neurotransmitter.

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26
Q

What is the function of the neurotransmitter Glutamate?

A

A major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in memory.

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27
Q

What is the function of the neurotransmitter Endorphins?

A

Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain or pleasure.

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28
Q

What are Endorphins?

A

“Morphine Within” - Natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure.

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29
Q

What are Agonist molecules?

A

A molecule that increases a neurotransmitter’s action.

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30
Q

What are Antagonist molecules?

A

A molecule that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitter’s action.

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31
Q

Nervous System

A

The body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous system.

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32
Q

Central Nervous System (CNS)

A

The body’s decision maker. The brain and spinal cord.

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33
Q

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

A

The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body.

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34
Q

What are Nerves?

A

Bundled axons that form neural cables connecting the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs.

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35
Q

What are Sensory Neurons

A

(afferent) Neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.

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36
Q

What are Motor Neurons?

A

(efferent) Neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands.

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37
Q

What are Interneurons?

A

Neurons within the brain and spinal cord; communicate internally and process information between the sensory inputs and motor outputs.

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38
Q

Somatic Nervous System

A

The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles.
(Also called the Skeletal Nervous System)

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39
Q

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (such as the heart). It’s sympathetic division arouse; It’s parasympathetic division calms.

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40
Q

Sympathetic Nervous System

A

The division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body mobilizing its energy.

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41
Q

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A

The division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body, conserving it’s energy.

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42
Q

What bodily changes does your ANS direct before and after you give an important speech?

A

Your ANS sympathetic division will arouse you. It accelerates your heartbeat, raises your blood pressure and blood sugar, slows your digestion, and cools you with perspiration. After you give the speech, your ANS parasympathetic division will reverse these effects.

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43
Q

What are reflexes?

A

A simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee-jerk response.

44
Q

Endocrine System

A

The body’s “slow” chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

45
Q

What are Hormones?

A

Chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissue.

46
Q

What are the Adrenal Gland?

A

A pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones (epinephrine, and norepinephrine) that help arouse the body in times of stress.

47
Q

What is the Pituitary Gland?

A

The endocrine system’s most influential gland, Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands.

48
Q

Why is the pituitary gland called the “Master Gland”?

A

Responding to signals from the hypothalamus, the pituitary releases hormones that trigger other endocrine glands to secrete hormones, which in turn influence brain and behavior.

49
Q

How are the nervous and endocrine systems alike, and how do they differ?

A

Both of these communication systems produce chemical molecules that act on the body’s receptors to influence our behavior and emotions. The endocrine system, which secretes hormones into the bloodstream, delivers its messages much more slowly than the speedy nervous system, and the effects of the endocrine system’s messages tend to linger much longer than those of the nervous system.

50
Q

Why are psychologists concerned with human biology?

A

Psychologists working from a biological perspective study the links between biology and behavior. We are biopsychosocial systems, in which biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors interact to influence behavior.

51
Q

How do neurotransmitters influence behavior, and how do drugs and other chemicals affect neurotransmission?

A

Neurotransmitters travel designated pathways in the brain and may influence specific behaviors and emotions. Acetylcholine (ACh) affects muscle action, learning, and memory. Endorphins are natural opiates released in response to pain and exercise. Drugs and other chemicals affect brain chemistry at synapses. Agonists increase a neurotransmitter’s action, and may do so in various ways. Antagonists decrease a neurotransmitter’s action by blocking production or release.

52
Q

Lesion

A

Tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.

53
Q

What is an Electroencephalogram (EEG)?

A

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

54
Q

What is a PET Scan?

A

PET is a Positron Emission Tomography Scan. A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.

55
Q

What is an MRI?

A

MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy.

56
Q

What is an fMRI?

A

fMRI is functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A technique for revealing blood-flow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function as well as structure.

57
Q

Brainstem

A

The oldest part of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions.

58
Q

Medulla

A

The base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.

59
Q

Fill in the Blank:

Nerves from the left side of the brain are mostly linked to the _____ side of the body, and vice versa.

A

Right.

60
Q

Thalamus

A

The brain’s sensory control center, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.

61
Q

What formation lies inside the brainstem, behind your ears?

What is it’s function?

A

The reticular “netlike” formation. It’s a nerve network that travels through the brainstem into the thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal.

62
Q

The Cerebellum

A

The “Little Brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory.

63
Q

Limbic System

A

Neural System (including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives.

64
Q

Amygdala

A

Two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the Limbic System; Linked to emotion (anger and fear).

65
Q

Electrical stimulation of a cat’s amygdala provokes angry reactions. Which autonomic nervous system division is activated by such stimulation?

A

The sympathetic nervous system

66
Q

Hypothalamus

A

A neural structure lying below (hypo) the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.

67
Q

Hippocampus

A

A neural center located in the limbic system; helps process conscious, explicit memories for storage, and decreases in size and function as we age.

68
Q

What is the Nucleus Accumbens?

A

The nucleus accumbens, being one part of the reward system, plays an important role in processing rewarding stimuli, reinforcing stimuli

69
Q

What are the three key structures of the limbic system, and what functions do they serve?

A

(1) The amygdala is involved in aggression and fear responses.
(2) The hypothalamus is involved in bodily maintenance, pleasurable rewards, and control of the hormonal systems.
(3) The hippocampus processes conscious memory.

70
Q

What part of he brainstem controls heartbeat and breathing?

A

Medulla

71
Q

What is the lower brain structure that governs arousal?

A

Reticular Formation

72
Q

Cerebral Cortex

A

The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center.

73
Q

Each hemisphere’s cortex is subdivided into four (4) lobes. What are they?

A

Frontal Lobe
Parietal Lobe
Occipital Lobe
Temporal Lobe

74
Q

What are the functions of the Frontal Lobe?

A

Involving speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgement.

75
Q

Where is the Frontal Lobe located?

A

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying behind the forehead.

76
Q

Where is the Parietal Lobe located?

A

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and towards the rear.

77
Q

What are the functions of the Parietal Lobe?

A

Receives sensory input for touch and body position.

78
Q

Where is the Occipital Lobe located?

A

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head.

79
Q

What are the functions of the Occipital Lobe?

A

Includes areas that receive information from the visual fields.

80
Q

Where is the Temporal Lobe located?

A

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears.

81
Q

What are the functions of the Temporal Lobe?

A

Includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear.

82
Q

What are all four lobes of the brain separated by?

A

Fissures

prominent folds of the brain

83
Q

Motor Cortex

A

An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movement.

84
Q

Who discovered what is now called the Motor Cortex?

A

German physicians Gustav Fritsch and Eduard Hitzig. (1870)

85
Q

Somatosensory Cortex

A

Area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement.

86
Q

Fill in the Blank:

Our brain’s _____ Cortex registers and processes body touch and movement sensations. The _____ Cortex controls voluntary movements.

A

Somatosensory;

Motor

87
Q

What are the Association Areas of the brain?

A

Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.

88
Q

What it the Prefrontal Cortex?

A

Located in the forward part of the frontal lobe; Enables judgement, planning, and processing of new memories.

89
Q

Why are Association Areas important?

A

Association areas are involved in higher mental functions—interpreting, integrating, and acting on information processed in other areas.

90
Q

Describe the purpose of the Brain’s Plasticity.

A

The brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by recognizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.

91
Q

What are 2 hard facts about the effects of some brain-damage?

A

(1) Severed brain and spinal cord neurons usually do not regenerate.
(2) Some brain functions seem pre-assigned to specific areas.

92
Q

What is Neurogenesis?

A

The formation of new Neurons.

93
Q

Corpus Collosum

A

The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them.

94
Q

Split Brains

A

A condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brain’s two hemispheres by cutting the fibers (mainly those of the Corpus Collosum).

95
Q

What do split brains reveal about the functions of our two brain hemispheres?

A

Split-brain research (experiments on people with a severed corpus callosum) has confirmed that in most people, the Left Hemisphere is the more Verbal, and that the Right Hemisphere excels in Visual Perception and the Recognition of Emotion. Studies of healthy people with intact brains confirm that each hemisphere makes unique contributions to the integrated functioning of the brain.

96
Q

Environment

A

Every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us.

97
Q

Heredity

A

The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring.

98
Q

Behavioral Genetics

A

The study of relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.

99
Q

Chromosomes

A

Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that control the genes.

100
Q

DNA

deoxyribonucleic Acid

A

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.

101
Q

Genes

A

The biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes: segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins.

102
Q

Genome

A

The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes.

103
Q

Epigenetics

A

The study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change.

104
Q

Mutations

A

A random error in gene replication that leads to a change.

105
Q

Monozygotic Twins

A

Identical Twins: Develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms.

106
Q

Dizygotic Twins

A

Fraternal Twins: Develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than ordinary brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment.

107
Q

Interaction

A

The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity.

PSYCH 100 (7 decks)

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