Chapter 1: Introducing Biological Psychology Flashcards
Histology
The study of cells and tissues on the microscopic level
Phrenology
The pseudoscientific notion that skill contours indicate personality and character traits
Microtome
A device used to make very thin slices of tissue for histology
Stain
Specialized things used for making nerve tissue visible on a slide. Different Stains show different kind things
Autopsy (Post Mortem Exam)
The Examination of body tissues following death
CT (Computerized Tomography)
An imaging technology in which computers are used to enchance X-ray images
PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
An imaging technique that provides information regarding the localization of brain activity
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An imaging technique that provides very high resolution structural images
fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
A technology using a series of MRI images taken 1 to 4 seconds apart in order to assess the activity of the brain
EEG (Electroencephalogram)
A technology for studying the activity of the brain through recordings from electrodes placed on the scalp
Evoked Potential
An Alteration in the EEG recording produced in response to the application of a particular stimulus
MEG (Magnetoencephalography)
A technology for recording the magnetic output of the brain
Single-Cell Recordings
Micro-electrodes that are made from either fine wires or tiny fluid-filled micropipetters or glass tubes, are used to identify the occurrence of electrical signals within a single neuron without contamination of activity from adjacent cells
Brain Stimulation
Electrical stimulation of the brain during neurosurgery. But be cautious how you interpret findings. Not everyone sees the world the same
rTMS (Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
A technique for stimulating the cortex at regular intervals by applying a magnetic pulse through a wire coil encased in plastic and placed on the scalp
Lesion
Pathological or traumatic damage to tissue
Ablation
The surgical removal of tissue
Stereotaxic Atlas
A number of records of brain structure of a particular animal accompanied with coordinates used in stereotactic surgery
Stereotaxic apparatus
An apparatus that fits on the head and helps locate structures in the brain by means of coordinates.
Microdialysis
A technique for assessing the chemical composition f a very small area of the brain
Heritability
The amount of variability of a trait in a population that is due to genetics
Knockout genes
Genes that take the place of normal genes but that fail to produce the specific protein produced by the normal genes
Stem Cell
An undifferentiated cell that can divide and differentiate into ohter types of cells
