Chapter 2 Flashcards
Study of links in bio to behavior
Biological psychology
Study of shape and size of cranium. Determines personality - not really
Phrenology
Nerve cell- basic building block
Neuron
Cell body of receiving neuron
Dendrite
Extension of a neuron- sends impulses to other neurons
Axon
Layer of fatty tissue around axons. Speeds up impulses.
Myelin sheath
Neural impulse generated by movement of positively charged atoms in and out of axons membrane
Action potential
Level of stimulation must be exceeded for reaction to fire
Threshold
Junction between sending and receiving ends on a neuron
Synapse
Chemicals released into synaptic gap that send messages
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitter that enables learning, memory, and muscle contraction. Alzheimer’s
Ach
Neurotransmitter that influences emotion, movement, learning, attention. Lot = schitz, less = Parkinson’s
Dopamine
Affects mood, hunger, sleep, arousal. Depression
Serotonin
Natural opiate like transmitter that is linked to pain control
Endorphins
Speedy electrical communication system with PNS and CNS
Nervous System
Brain and spinal cord system
Central Nervous system
Sensory and motor skills system. Connect CNS to outside nerves.
Peripheral Nervous system
Bundles of neural axons, part of PNS that connect to CNS
Nerves
Carry info from sensory receptors to CNS for processing
Sensory Neurons
Carry info and instructions for action from CNS to muscles and glands
Motor Neurons
Neurons of the CNS that link the sensory and motor neurons in transmission of sensory inputs and motor outputs
Inter neurons
Division of PNS that enables voluntary control over skeletal muscles
Somatic NS
Controls involuntary muscles of organs for survival
Autonomic NS