Ch 3- The Biological Bases of Behavior Flashcards
2 types of cells in the nervous system
Neurons & Glia
Neurons
cells that receive, integrate, and transmit information
Soma
The Soma (cell body) contains the cell nucleus
Dendrites
individual branches of the neuron that receives information
Axon
Long, thin fiber that transmits information
Myelin Sheath
white fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds the transmission of signals
Terminal Buttons
secrete neurotransmitters (chemicals) into the synapse
Synapse
a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter
Glia Cells
support the neurons by supplying nutrients and removing waste
Describe a neuron at rest
The neuron at rest contains more negative ions on the inside than the outside
Describe action potential
The action potential refers to the change in electrical charge in the axon
All or None Law
Neurons either have action potential or are at rest. the strength of the action potential is not accounted for
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The PNS is all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
Somatic
Somatic = Voluntary (all nerves that are connected to skeleton and muscles)
Autonomic
Autonomic = Involuntary (digestions, blood vessels, heart)
Sympathetic nervous system
mobilizes resources/energy ; fight or flight response
Para- sympathetic nervous system
conserve resources/energy (slow down heart rate, lower blood pressure)
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord
How many hemispheres does the Cerebrum/Cerebral Cortex have?
Two
Which hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is responsible for verbal processing? language, speech, reading, writing
Left
Which hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is responsible for nonverbal processing = spatial, musical, visual recognition
Right
Corpus Callosum
thick band of fibers that transmit info b/w hemispheres of the cerebral cortex
How many lobes does the cerebrum have?
4
Parietal lobe
sense of touch
Occipital lobe
visual processing
Temporal lobe
auditory processing
Frontal lobe
primary motor cortex and executive control system
Area responsible for the Production of Speech
Broca’s Area
Area responsible for Comprehension of Language
Wernicke’s Area
Family studies
examine blood relatives
Twin studies
compare resemblance of identical and fraternal twins on a trait
