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Foundation of Psychology > Chapter 2 > Flashcards

Chapter 2 Flashcards

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1
Q

Central nervous system (CNS)

A

The brain and spinal cord

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2
Q

Spinal cord

A

A column of nerves that transmits information
between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

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3
Q

Spinal nerves

A

Major nerves that carry sensory and motor messages in and out of the spinal cord

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4
Q

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

A

The parts of the nervous
system outside the brain and spinal cord

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5
Q

Neuron

A

A cell in the nervous system that transmits information.

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6
Q

Nerve

A

A bundle of neuron axons.

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7
Q

Cranial nerves

A

Major nerves that leave the brain without passing
through the spinal cord.

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8
Q

Somatic nervous system (SNS)

A

A network linking the spinal
cord with the body and sense organs.

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9
Q

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

A

The collection of axons that
carry information to and from internal organs and glands.

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10
Q

Sympathetic nervous system (sympathetic branch)

A

The division of the autonomic nervous system that coordinates arousal.

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11
Q

Parasympathetic nervous system (parasympathetic
branch)

A

The division of the autonomic nervous system that quiets
the body and conserves energy

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12
Q

Dendrites

A

Neuron fibers that receive incoming messages

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13
Q

Cell body

A

The part of the neuron or other cell that contains the nucleus of the cell.

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14
Q

Axon

A

A fiber that carries information away from the cell body of a
neuron

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15
Q

Axon terminals

A

Bulb-shaped structures at the ends of axons that form synapses with the dendrites and cell bodies of other neurons.

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16
Q

Resting potential

A

The electrical charge of an inactive neuron

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17
Q

Threshold

A

In neurons, the point at which a nerve impulse is triggered.

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18
Q

Action potential

A

A brief change in a neuron’s electrical charge

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19
Q

Myelin sheath

A

Insulating material that covers some axons

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20
Q

Ion channels

A

Tiny openings through the axon membrane

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21
Q

Negative after-potential

A

A drop in electrical charge below the resting potential.

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22
Q

Synapse

A

A microscopic space over which messages pass between
two neurons

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23
Q

Synaptic transmission

A

The chemical process that carries information from one neuron to another.

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24
Q

Neurotransmitter

A

A chemical that moves information from one nervous-system cell to another

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25
Q

Receptor site

A

An area on the surface of neurons and other cells
that is sensitive to neurotransmitters or hormones.

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26
Q

Neuropeptides

A

Brain chemicals, such as enkephalins and endorphins, that regulate the activity of neurons.

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27
Q

Neuroplasticity

A

The capacity of the brain to change in response to experience.

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28
Q

Neurogenesis

A

The production of new brain cells.

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29
Q

Computed tomographic (CT) scan

A

A computer-enhanced X-ray
image of the brain or body

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30
Q

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A

An imaging technique that results in a three-dimensional image of the brain or body, based on its response to a magnetic field.

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31
Q

Localization of function

A

The research strategy of linking specific structures in the brain to specific psychological or behavioral functions.

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32
Q

Electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) Direct electrical
stimulation and activation of brain tissue.

A
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33
Q

Electrode

A

Any device (such as a wire, needle, or metal plate) used
to stimulate or destroy nerve tissue electrically or to record its activity

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34
Q

Ablation

A

In biopsychology, the surgical removal of tissue from the
surface of the brain.

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35
Q

Deep lesioning

A

Removal of tissue within the brain by the use of an electrode.

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36
Q

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

A

A device that records electrical
activity in the brain.

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37
Q

Positron emission tomography (PET)

A

A high-resolution imaging technique that captures brain activity by attaching radioactive particles to glucose molecules.

38
Q

Functional MRI (fMRI)

A

An MRI technique that records activity levels in various areas of the brain

39
Q

Cerebral cortex

A

The thin, wrinkled outer covering of the brain in
which high-level processes take place.

40
Q

Corticalization

A

An increase in the relative size of the cerebral cortex.

41
Q

Cerebral hemispheres

A

The left and right sides of the cerebral cortex; interconnected by the corpus callosum.

42
Q

Lateralization

A

Differences between the two sides of the body, especially differences in the abilities of the brain hemispheres.

43
Q

Split-brain operation

A

A surgical procedure that involves cutting
the corpus callosum.

44
Q

Handedness

A

A preference for the right or left hand in most activities

45
Q

Dominant hemisphere

A

A term usually applied to the side of a person’s brain that produces language.

46
Q

Lobes of the cerebral cortex

A

Areas on the left and right cortex bordered by major fissures or defined by their functions.

47
Q

Frontal lobes

A

Areas of the cortex associated with movement, the sense of self, and higher mental functions.

48
Q

Prefrontal area (prefrontal cortex)

A

The very front of the frontal lobes; involved in the sense of self, executive functions, and planning.

49
Q

Executive functions

A

The higher-level mental processes that allow us
to regulate and coordinate our own thought processes.

50
Q

Association areas (association cortex)

A

All areas of the cerebral
cortex that are not primarily sensory or motor in function.

51
Q

Aphasia

A

A speech disturbance resulting from brain damage.

52
Q

Broca’s area

A

A language area related to grammar and pronunciation

53
Q

Primary motor area (primary motor cortex)

A

A brain area associated with the control of movement.

54
Q

Mirror neurons

A

Neurons that become active when a motor action is carried out and when another organism is observed performing the same action.

55
Q

Motor neuron

A

A cell in the nervous system that transmits commands from the brain to the muscles.

56
Q

Autism spectrum disorder

A

A lifetime disorder whose primary
features are impaired communication and social interaction.

57
Q

Parietal lobes Areas of the cortex in which body sensations register

A

Areas of the cortex in which body sensations register

58
Q

Primary somatosensory area (primary somatosensory
cortex)

A

A receiving area for body sensations

59
Q

Temporal lobes

A

Areas of the cortex that include the sites where
hearing registers.

60
Q

Primary auditory area (primary auditory cortex)

A

The part of the temporal lobe that first receives input from the ears.

61
Q

Wernicke’s area

A

A temporal lobe brain area related to language comprehension.

62
Q

Occipital lobes

A

Cortical areas at the back of the brain that play a role in visual processing.

63
Q

Primary visual area (primary visual cortex)

A

The part of the occipital lobe that first receives input from the eyes.

64
Q

Visual agnosia

A

An inability to identify seen objects.

65
Q

Facial agnosia

A

An inability to perceive familiar faces.

66
Q

Subcortex

A

A term referring to all brain structures below the cerebral cortex.

67
Q

Hindbrain

A

A primitive part of the brain that comprises the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.

68
Q

Medulla

A

The structure that connects the brain with the spinal cord and controls vital life functions.

69
Q

Pons

A

An area of the hindbrain that acts as a bridge between the
medulla and other structures

70
Q

Reticular formation (RF)

A

A collection of cells and fibers in the medulla and pons involved in arousal and attention.

71
Q

Cerebellum

A

The structure in the hindbrain involved in controlling
coordination and balance.

72
Q

Midbrain

A

A structure that connects the hindbrain with the forebrain.

73
Q

Forebrain

A

A brain structure, including the limbic system, thalamus,
hypothalamus, and cortex, that governs higher-order mental processes.

74
Q

Thalamus

A

A brain structure that relays sensory information to the
cerebral cortex.

75
Q

Hypothalamus

A

A small area of the brain that regulates emotional behaviors and basic biological needs.

76
Q

Limbic system

A

A set of brain structures that play important roles in regulating emotion and memory

77
Q

Amygdala

A

A part of the limbic system associated with the rapid processing of emotions; especially fear

78
Q

Hippocampus

A

Part of the limbic system associated with storing memories.

79
Q

Endocrine system A network of glands that release hormones
into the bloodstream.

A
80
Q

Hormones

A

A chemical released by the endocrine glands.

81
Q

Pituitary gland

A

The master gland of the endocrine system that
controls the action of all other glands.

82
Q

Growth hormone

A

A hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland,
that promotes body growth.

83
Q

Oxytocin

A

A hormone, released by the pituitary gland, that plays a broad role in regulating pregnancy, parenthood, sexual activity, social bonding, trust, and even reducing stress reactions.

84
Q

Pineal gland

A

A gland in the brain that helps regulate body
rhythms and sleep cycles

85
Q

Melatonin

A

A hormone released by the pineal gland in response to daily cycles of light and dark.

86
Q

Thyroid gland

A

An endocrine gland that helps regulate the rate of metabolism.

87
Q

Adrenal glands

A

Endocrine glands that arouse the body, regulate salt balance, adjust the body to stress, and affect sexual functioning.

88
Q

Epinephrine

A

An adrenal hormone that tends to arouse the body; epinephrine is associated with fear. (Also known as adrenaline.)

89
Q

Norepinephrine

A

Both a brain neurotransmitter and an adrenal hormone that tends to arouse the body; norepinephrine is
associated with anger. (Also known as noradrenaline.)

90
Q

Self-regulation

A

The ability to consciously exert self-control.

Foundation of Psychology (8 decks)

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