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PSYC 104 > ch.3 Biological Psychology > Flashcards

ch.3 Biological Psychology Flashcards

1
Q

What is Phrenology?

A

a discredited theory that outer surface of the skull (bumps) are linked to different psychological capacities popularised in the 1800s (brain mapping)

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2
Q

What was Franz Joseph Gall’s Phrenology hypothesis primarily based off of?

A

Anecdotal observations

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3
Q

EEG (Electroencephalograph)

A

recording brain’s electrical activity at the surface of the skull

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4
Q

Computed tomography: CT scan

A

A scanning technique using multiple X-rays to construct three-dimensional images

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5
Q

Deep brain stimulation: (DBS)

A

technique in which electrodes and a battery source are implanted in the brain to deliver electricity to specific brain areas

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6
Q

Functional MRI (fMRI)

A

technique that uses magnetic fields to visualize brain activity using changes in blood oxygen level

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7
Q

Magnetic resonance imaging: (MRI)

A

Technique that uses magnetic fields to indirectly visualize brain structure

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8
Q

Magnetoencephalography: (MEG)

A

technique that measures brain activity by detecting tiny magnetic fields generated by the brain

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9
Q

Positron emission tomography: (PET)

A

imaging technique that measures the consumption of glucose-like molecules, yielding a picture of neural activity in different regions of the brain

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10
Q

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: (TMS)

A

technique that applies strong and quickly changing magnetic fields to the surface of the skull that can either enhance of interrupt brain function

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11
Q

Localization of function:

A

Scientist identifies an area of the brain that is particularly active during a specific psychological task

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12
Q

Why should localisation of function not be overemphasized?

A

each brain region participates in many functions, coordination across multiple brain regions is the rule rather than the exception

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12
Q

What is a neuron?

A
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12
Q

Nerve cell specialized for communication

A
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12
Q

Parts of the neuron

A

Soma/cell body
nucleus
Dendrites
Axon
Axon terminals
Myelin sheath

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12
Q

What is the cell body?

A

The central region of a neuron that contains the nucleus where proteins are manufactured. Provides continual renewal of cell components

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13
Q

What is the axon?

A

Portion of neuron that sends signal

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14
Q

what is the dendrite?

A

Portion of neuron that receives signal

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15
Q

Dendrite vs Axon

A

Dendrite receive information from neighboring cells and axons pass along the information to other cells

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16
Q

Axon terminals

A

Ends of axon that transmit messages via neurotransmitters at the synapse

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17
Q

Myelin sheath

A

Glial cells wrapped around axons that act as insulators of the neuron’s signal

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18
Q

Glial cell

A

Cell in nervous system that plays a role in the formation of myelin and the blood-brain barrier, responds to injury, removes debris, facilitates communication among neurons and enhances learning and memory

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19
Q

Glial cell types (Main 2)

A

Astrocytes
Oligodendrocytes

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20
Q

Astrocytes

A

Most abundant glial cells. Shaped like stars.
Location: Blood brain barrier
Function: Increase neurotransmission accuracy, help control blood flow to the brain

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21
Oligodendrocytes
Function: Promote new connections among nerve cells and releases chemicals to aid in healing. Produce myelin sheaths
22
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical messenger specialized for communication from neuron to neuron
23
Types of neurotransmitters
Inhibitory and Excitatory
24
Excitatory
function to activate receptors on the postsynaptic membrane and enhance the effects of the action potential
25
Inhibitory
function to prevent an action potential.
26
Examples of neurotransmitters
GABA Glutamate Acetylcholine Monoamines Anandamide Neuropeptides
27
What is GABA
Inhibitory Most common neurotransmitter in CNS -Dampens neural activity -Role in learning, memory and sleep
28
Glutamate
Excitatory -Increases neural activity -Associated with enhanced learning and memory
29
Examples of monoamines
Norepinephrine -Dopamine -Serotonin
30
Norepinephrine
Excitatory activate various parts of the brain influencing consciousness, arousal, movements
31
Dopamine
Both motivation and rewarding experiences
32
Serotonin
Inhibitory deactivate various parts of the brain influencing consciousness, arousal, movements
33
Anandamides
both -Plays a role in eating, motivation, memory and sleep -Target of weed (THC)
34
Neuropeptides
Both Narrowly specialized neurotransmitters, pain, hunger regulation, satiety (fullness) and learning or memory E.g; Endorphins
35
What substances increase GABA activity?
Alcohol and antianxiety drugs
36
What two neurotransmittors in every brain area are used for communication?
GABA and glutamate
37
Chemical communication:
Aka neurotransmission Neurotransmitters released into the synapse bind with receptor sites along the dendrites of neighboring neurons
38
Synapse:
Space between two connecting neurons through which messages transmitted chemically
39
Synaptic cleft:
A gap into which neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal
40
Synaptic vesicle:
Spherical sac containing neurotransmitters
41
Electrical communication
ell association between two nerve cells where ions are used to transmit nerve impulses rapidly -Action potential
42
Action potential
Electrical impulse that travels down the axon triggering the release of neurotransmitters
43
Resting potential
Electrical charge difference (-60mV) across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not being stimulated or inhibited -70mV
44
Threshold of excitation
Membrane potential necessary to trigger an action potential -55mV
45
Rising phase
Depolarisation -Inside neuron becomes more positive
46
When is the action potential reached?
At +30-+40mV
47
Absolute refractory period:
The time during which another action potential is impossible; limits the maximal firing rate Hyperpolarized
48
Failed initiations
Stimulus isn't strong enough for action potential to reach -55mV (threshold)
49
3 types of chemical communication
EPSP-IPSP Spatial summation Temporal Summation
50
EPSP-IPSP
Exictatory and inhibitory graded potentials cancel eachother out Threshold not met
51
Spatial summation
Excitatory potentials from many neurons trigger threshold point
52
Temporal summation
Excitatory potentials from ONE neuron triggers threshold point
53
CNS
Part of nervous system containing brain and spinal cord that controls the mind and behaviour
54
Parts of the CNS
Cortex Basal ganglia Limbic system Cerebellum Brain stem Spinal cord
55
Cortex
Outermost part of forebrain, responsible for analyzing sensory information and higher brain functions
56
Basal ganglia
Structures in the forebrain that help to control movement, motor planning and skill and habit learning
57
Limbic system
A network of regions involved in emotion, motivation, learning and memory
58
What is the limbic system divided into?
Thalamus Hypothalamus Amygdala Hippocampus
59
Cerebellum
Brain structure responsible for our sense of balance and coordinates precise movement
60
What is the brain stem divided into?
Midbrain Pons Medulla
61
Spinal cord
Thick bundle of nerves that conveys signals between the brain and the body
62
Thalamus
Gateway from the sense organs to the primary sensory cortex relay station
63
Hypothalamus
Part of the brain responsible for maintaining a constant internal state
64
Amygdala
Part of the limbic system that modulates attention, perception, and memory based on our emotions
65
Hippocampus
Part of the brain that plays a role in spatial memory
66
What is the cortex divided into?
Frontal lobe Parietal lobe Temporal lobe Occipital lobe
67
Frontal lobe
Forward part of the cerebral cortex responsible for motor function, language, decision making and planning.
68
Parietal lobe
Upper middle part of the cerebral cortex lying behind the frontal lobe that’s specialized for touch and perception/sensory
69
Temporal lobe
Lower part of the cerebral cortex that plays roles in hearing, understanding language and memory
70
Occipital lobe
Back part of cerebral cortex specialized for vision
71
Midbrain
Part of the brain stem that contributes to movement, tracking visual stimuli and reflexes triggered by sound
72
Pons
Part of the brain stem that connects the cortex with the cerebellum
73
Medulla
Part of the brain stem involved in basic functions, such as heartbeat and breathing
74
Drugs that interact with neurotransmitter systems
Psychoactive
75
How do drugs affect neurotransmitters?
Affect mood, thinking, arousal or observable behaviour
76
Two ways drugs affect neurotransmission
Agonist Antagonist
77
Antagonist
Block or decrease the effect of a neurotransmitter e.g; Botulinum toxin (botox), caffeine
78
Agonist
Increase or mimic the effect of a neurotransmitter e.g; Opiates, cocaine (mimics endorphins)
79
Hindbrain:
Region below the midbrain that contains the cerebellum, pons and medulla.
80
Corpus callosum:
Large band of fibres connecting the two cerebral hemispheres
81
Cerebral hemispheres:
Two halves of the cerebral cortex, each of which serves distinct yet highly integrated functions
82
Cerebral ventricles:
Pockets in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provide the brain nutrients and cushions against injury
83
Peripheral nervous system:
Nerves in the body outside the CNS
84
Parasympathetic nervous system
Division of the autonomic nervous system that controls rest and digestion
85
Sympathetic nervous system
Division of the autonomic nervous system engaged during a crisis or after actions requiring fight or flight
86
autonomic nervous system
Part of the nervous system controlling the involuntary actions of our internal organs and glands, which (along with the limbic system) participates in emotion regulation
87
Somatic nervous system
Part of the nervous system that conveys information between the central nervous system and the body, controlling and coordinating voluntary movement
88
Wernicke’s Area:
Part of the temporal lobe involved in understanding speech and language
89
Broca's area
Language area in the prefrontal cortex that helps to control speech production (formation of speech and spoken words)
90
Plasticity
Term used by scientists who study the brain to dscrbe the ability of the nervous system to change over time
91
What are the left hemisphere lateralized functions?
Fine tuned language skills e.g Speech comprehension, reading Actions e.g Facial expression
92
What are the right hemisphere lateralized functions?
Coarse language skills e.g Simple speech, tone of voice, simple writing Visuospatial skills e.g face perception
93
Endocrine system:
System of glands and hormones that controls secretion of blood-borne chemical messengers
94
Hormone
Chemical released into the bloodstream that influences particular organs and glands
95
Pituitary gland:
Master gland that, under the control of the hypothalamus, directs the other glands of the body
96
Adrenal gland
Tissue located on top of the kidneys that releases adrenaline and cortisol during states of emotional arousal
97
What hormones are manufactured by the adrenal glands?
Adrenaline Cortisol
98

PSYC 104 (1 decks)

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