Chapter 1 - Biological Psychology Flashcards
Physiological Explanations
Relate behavior to activity of brain and organs
Biological psychology
Scientific study of biological aspects of animal behavior
Ontogenetic Explanations
Relate behavior to development of animal
Evolutionary Explanations
Relate behavior to evolutionary history
Functional Explanations
Describes WHY behavior or structure evolved as it did
Neurons
Main signaling units that receive information and transmit it to other cells. Approx. 85 billion
Cell membrane
Lipid bilayer sandwich of phospholipids with protein molecules that controls flow of elements in and out of cell
Nucleus
Contains chromosomes; site for hereditary control
Mitochondria
Performs aerobic metabolic activities, providing energy that cell requires for other activities
Ribosomes
Site of protein synthesis, made from command of genes
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Network of thin tubes that sends newly synthesized proteins to other parts of the cell
Motor neuron
Soma is located in spinal chord; receives excitation and transmits impulses along axon to muscle
Sensory neuron
SpecialiZed at one end to be highly sensitive to particular type of stimulation
Dendrites
Branching fibers that get narrower near the ends; surface lined with synaptic receptors
Dendritic spines
Short outgrowths that increase the surface area available for synapses
Soma
Cell body; contains nucleus, ribosomes and mitochondria; most metabolic work occurs here; integrates electrical signals generated by neurotransmitters; responsible for protein synthesis
Axon
Thin fiber of constant diameter, information sender, transmits info away from neuron to another neuron or muscle; only one axon emanating from soma
Axon Hillock
Swelling point on soma, starting point of axon
Myelin Sheath
Insulating material around axon that increases speed of impulses, found in vertebrae axons
Nodes of Ranvier
Breaks in insulation on axon
Presynaptic terminal
End bulb, point from which axon releases chemicals that cross the synapse to other neuron; neurotransmitters are stores, released, and some reabsorbed here
Afferent axon
Brings signals INTO structure (admit)
Efferent axon
carries signals AWAY from structure (exit)
Intrinsic neuron
Cell’s dendrites and axon entirely contained within single structure
Glia
Do NOT transmit info over long distances; provide structural and function support for neurons
Astrocytes
CNS; star shaped cells have end feet that come in contact with soma, dendrites, and capillaries; takes up some chemical transmitters at synapse, regulates extra cellular ion concentrations; control blood flow to brain areas; provide glucose to neurons
Oligodedrocytes
CNS; produces myelin that insulates small sections of axon (combo of nodes and myelin to increase conduction
Schwann cells
PNS; provides myelin and insulates certain vertebrae axon, wraps myelin around 1 segment of single axon
Radial Glia Cells
CNS; provide guidance for neurons and their axons and dendrites; occur during BRAIN DEVELOPMENT, precursors to some neurons and glia
Microglia
Very small cells generated in response to injury infection or disease; removed waste material as well as viruses; contain digestive enzymes; MAY divide and invade area of impact
Blood-brain barrier
Endothelial cells that form the walls of the capillaries, have small gaps; gaps are tight enough to not let anything pass through; Oxygen and carbon dioxide cross freely; fat-soluble molecules cross freely; glucose actively transported into brain; ATP necessary to transport some molecules across; adjacent to ventricles
Circumventricular organs
Affected areas with weak or absent blood-brain barrier, monitor chemical substances in circulation
