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Psychology > Chapter 2- Biological Perspective > Flashcards

Chapter 2- Biological Perspective Flashcards

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0
Q

A branch of the life-sciences that deals with the structure and function of neurons nerves and nervous tissue

A

Neuroscience

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1
Q

An extensive network of specialized cells that carries information to and from all parts of the body

A

Nervous system

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2
Q

Branch of neuroscience that focuses on the biological bases of psychological processes, behavior, and learning

A

Biological psychology or behavioral neuroscience

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3
Q

The brain and spinal cord

A

Central nervous system

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4
Q

All nerves and neurons that are not contained in the brain and spinal cord but that run through the body itself

A

Peripheral nervous system

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5
Q

Interprets and stores information and sends orders to muscles, glands, and organs

A

Brain

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6
Q

A long bundle of neurons that carries messages between the body and the brain and is responsible for very fast, lifesaving reflexes

A

Spinal cord

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7
Q

Division of the peripheral nervous system consisting of nerves that control all of the involuntary muscles, organs, and glands

A

Autonomic nervous system

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8
Q

Division of the peripheral nervous system consisting of nerves that carry information from the senses to the central nervous system and from the CNS to the voluntary muscles of the body

A

Somatic nervous system

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9
Q

Part of the ANS that with stores the body to normal functioning after arousal and is responsible for the day to day functioning of the organs and glands

A

Parasympathetic division (fight or flight system)

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10
Q

Part of the ANS that is responsible for reacting to stressful events and bodily arousal

A

Sympathetic division of autonomic nervous system

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11
Q

The basic cell that makes up the nervous system and that receives and sends messages within that system

A

Neuron

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12
Q

Branchlike structures that receive messages from other neurons

A

Dendrite

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13
Q

The cell body of the neuron responsible for maintaining the life of the cell

A

Soma

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14
Q

Tubelike structure that carries the neural message to other cells

A

Axon

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15
Q

Cells that provide support for the neurons to grow on and around, deliver nutrients to neurons, produce myelin to coat axons, clean up waste products and dead neurons, influence information processing, and, during prenatal development, influence the generation of new neurons

A

Glial cells

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16
Q

Fatty substances produced by certain glial cells that coat the axons of neurons to insulate, protect, and speed up the neural impulse

A

Myelin

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17
Q

Bundles of axons coated in Myelin that travel together through the body

A

Nerves

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18
Q

Process of molecules moving from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration

A

Diffusion

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19
Q

Produce myelin in the brain and spinal cord

A

Oligodendrocytes

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20
Q

Produce myelin in the neurons of the body

A

Schwann cells

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21
Q

Small spaces on the axon that are not covered in myelin

A

Node

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22
Q

A disease where the myelin sheath is destroyed (possibly by the individual’s own immune system), which leads to diminished or complete loss of neural functioning in those damaged cells

A

Multiple sclerosis

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23
Q

Charged particles

A

Ion

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24
Q

This means some substances that are outside the cell can enter through tiny openings in the membrane, while other substances in the cell can go outside of the cell membrane

A

Semi permeable

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25
Q

The state of the neuron when not firing a neural impulse

A

Resting potential

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26
Q

The release of the neural impulse consisting of a reversal of the electrical charge within the axon

A

Action potential

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27
Q

Referring to the fact that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all

A

All or none

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28
Q

During the resting potential, the neuron is negatively charged inside and positively charged outside

A

The neuron at rest

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29
Q

The action potential occurs when positive sodium ions enter the cell, causing a reversal of the electrical charge from negative to positive

A

The neural impulse

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30
Q

As the action potential moves down the axon toward the axon terminals, the cell areas behind the action potential return to the resting state of a negative charge as the positive sodium ions are pumped to the outside of the cell, and the positive potassium ions rapidly be

A

The neural impulse continues

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31
Q

May also be called terminal buttons, rounded areas on the end of the axon terminals

A

Synaptic knob

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32
Q

Branches at the end of the axon

A

Axon terminals

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33
Q

Saclike structures found inside the synaptic knob containing chemicals

A

Synaptic vesicles

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34
Q

Chemical found in the synaptic vesicles that, when released, has an effect on the next cell

A

neurotransmitter

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35
Q

Microscopic fluid filled space between the synaptic knob of one cell and the dendrites or surface of the next cell

A

Synaptic gap or synapse

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36
Q

Three-dimensional proteins on the surface of the dendrites or certain cells of the muscles and glands, which are shaped to fit only certain neurotransmitters

A

Receptor sites

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37
Q

Synapse at which a neurotransmitter causes the receiving cell to fire

A

Excitatory synapse

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38
Q

Synapse at which a neurotransmitter causes the receiving cell to stop firing

A

Inhibitory synapse

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39
Q

Found at the synapses between neurons and muscle cells, serves to stimulate the skeletal muscles to contract but actually slows contractions in the heart muscle

A

Acetylcholine

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40
Q

A drug used by South American Indians on their blowdarts that gets into the nervous system and paralyzes the victim by being an antagonist for acetylcholine

A

Curare

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41
Q

Chemical substances that block or reduce a cell’a response to the action of other chemicals or neurotransmitters

A

Antagonists

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42
Q

Chemical substances that mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter on the receptor sites of the next cell, increasing or decreasing the activity of that cell

A

Agonists

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43
Q

Process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the synaptic vesicles

A

Reuptake

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44
Q

Excitatory or inhibitory; involved in memory and controls muscle contractions

A

Acetylcholine

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45
Q

Excitatory or inhibitory; involved and mood, sleep, and appetite

A

Serotonin

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46
Q

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter; involved in sleep and inhibits movement

A

GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid)

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47
Q

Major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in learning, memory formation, and nervous system development

A

Glutamate

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48
Q

Mainly excitatory; involved in arousal and mood

A

Norepinephrine

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49
Q

Excitatory or inhibitory; involved in control of movement and sensations of pleasure

A

Dopamine

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50
Q

Inhibitory neural regulators; involved in pain relief

A

Endorphins

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51
Q

A complex protein that is manufactured by cells

A

Enzyme

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52
Q

Process by which structure of neurotransmitter is altered so it can no longer act on a receptor

A

Enzymatic degradation

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53
Q

A neuron that carries information from the senses to the central nervous system

A

Afferent (sensory) neurons

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54
Q

A neuron carries messages from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body

A

Efferent (motor) neuron

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55
Q

A neuron found in the center of the spinal cord that receives information from the afferent neurons and sends commands to the muscles through the efferent neurons. make up the bulk of the neurons in the brain

A

Interneuron

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56
Q

The connection of the afferent neurons to the interneurons to the efferent neurons, resulting in a reflex action

A

Reflex arc

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57
Q

The ability within the brain to constantly change both the structure and function of many cells in response to experience or trauma

A

Neuroplasticity

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58
Q

Special cells found in all the tissues of the body that are capable of manufacturing other cell types when those cells need to be replaced due to damage or wear and tear

A

Stem cells

59
Q

Nerves coming from the sensory organs to the central nervous system consisting of afferent neurons

A

Sensory pathway

60
Q

Nerves coming from the central nervous system to the voluntary muscles, consisting of efferent neurons

A

Motor pathway

61
Q

Glands that secrete chemicals called hormones directly into the bloodstream

A

Endocrine glands

62
Q

Chemicals released into the bloodstream by endocrine glands

A

Hormones

63
Q

Gland location in the brain that secretes human growth hormone and influences all other hormone secreting glands also known as the master gland

A

Pituitary gland

64
Q

Endocrine gland located near the base of the cerebrum; secretes melatonin

A

Pineal gland

65
Q

Endocrine gland found in the neck; regulates metabolism

A

Thyroid gland

66
Q

Endocrine gland; controls the levels of sugar in the blood

A

Pancreas

67
Q

Sex glands; secrete hormones that regulate sexual development and behavior as well as reproduction

A

Gonads

68
Q

The female gonads

A

Ovaries

69
Q

The male gonads

A

Testes

70
Q

Endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that secrete over 30 different hormones to deal with stress, regulates salt intake, and provide a secondary source of sex hormones affecting the sexual changes that occur during adolescence

A

Adrenal glands

71
Q

Insertion of a thin, insulated wire into the brain through which an electrical current is sent that destroys the brain cells at the tip of the wire

A

Deep lesioning

72
Q

Brain imaging method using computer-controlled x-rays of the brain

A

Computed tomography (CT)

73
Q

Brain imaging method using radio waves and magnetic fields of the body to produce detailed images of the brain

A

Magnetic resonance imaging MRI

74
Q

Machine designed to record the electroencephalogram

A

Electroencephalogram EEG

75
Q

The brain imaging method in which a radioactive sugar is injected into a person and a computer compiles a color-coded image of the activity of the brain

A

Positron emission tomography PET

76
Q

Neuroimaging method that is similar to PET but uses a different radioactive tracer and can be used to examine brain blood flow

A

Single photon emission computed tomography SPECT

77
Q

MRI based brain imaging method that allows for functional examination of brain areas through changes in brain oxygenation

A

Functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI

78
Q

The first large swelling at the top of the spinal cord, forming the lowest part of the brain, which is responsible for life-sustaining functions such as breathing, swallowing, and heart rate

A

Medulla

79
Q

The larger swelling above the medulla that connects the top of the brain to the bottom and that plays a part in sleep, dreaming, left right body coordination, and arousal

A

Pons

80
Q

An area of neurons running through the middle of the medulla and the pons and slightly beyond that is responsible for general attention, alertness, and arousal

A

Reticular formation RF

81
Q

Part of the lower brain located behind the pons that controls and coordinates involuntary, rapid, fine motor movement

A

Cerebellum

82
Q

A group of several brain structures located primarily under the cortex and involved in learning, emotion, memory, and motivation

A

Limbic system

83
Q

Part of the limbic system located in the center of the brain, the structure relays sensory information from the lower part of the brain to the proper areas of the cortex and processes some sensory information before sending it to its proper area

A

Thalamus

84
Q

Two projections just under the front of the brain that receives information from the receptors in the nose located just below

A

Olfactory bulbs

85
Q

Small structure in the brain located below the Thalamus and directly above the pituitary gland, responsible for motivational behavior such as sleep, hunger, thirst, and sex

A

Hypothalamus

86
Q

Curved structure located within each Temporel lobe, responsible for the formation of long-term memories and the storage of memory for location of objects

A

Hippocampus

87
Q

Brain structure located near the hippocampus, responsible for fear responses and memory of fear

A

Amygdala

88
Q

Outermost covering of the brain consisting of densely packed neurons, responsible for higher thought processes and interpretation of sensory input

A

Cortex

89
Q

The two sections of the cortex on the left and right sides of the brain

A

Cerebral hemispheres

90
Q

Thick band of neurons that connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres

A

Corpus callosum

91
Q

Section of the brain located at the rear and bottom of each cerebral hemisphere containing the visual centers of the brain

A

Occipital lobe

92
Q

Sections of the brain located at the top and back of each cerebral hemisphere containing the centers for touch, taste, and temperature sensations

A

Parietal lobes

93
Q

Area of neurons running down the front of the parietal lobes responsible for processing information from the skin and internal body receptors for touch, temperature, body position, and possibly taste

A

Somatosensory cortex

94
Q

Areas of the brain located along the side, starting just behind the temples, containing the neurons responsible for the sense of hearing and meaningful speech

A

Temporal lobes

95
Q

Areas of the brain located in the front and top, responsible for higher mental processes and decision-making as well as the production of fluent speech

A

Frontal lobes

96
Q

Rear section of the frontal lobe, responsible for sending motor commands to the muscles of the somatic nervous system

A

Motor cortex

97
Q

Neurons that fire when an animal or person performs an action and also when an animal or person observes that same actions being performed by another

A

Mirror neurons

98
Q

Areas within each lobe of the cortex responsible for the coordination and interpretation of information, as well as higher mental processing

A

Association areas

99
Q

Condition resulting from damage to Brokas area, causing the affected person to be unable to speak fluently, to pronounce words, and to speak haltingly

A

Brokas aphasia

100
Q

Condition resulting from damage to Wernecke’s area, causing the affected person to be unable to understand or produce meaningful language

A

Wernecke’s aphasia

101
Q

Condition produced most often by damage to the parietal lobe association areas of the right hemisphere resulting in an inability to recognize objects or body parts in the left visual field

A

Unilateral spatial neglect

102
Q

The upper part of the brain consisting of the two hemispheres and the structures that connect them

A

Cerebrum

103
Q

Regulates metabolism, controlling how fast the body burns it’s available energy

A

Thyroxin

104
Q

Releases epinephrine and norepinephrine when people are under stress and that aids in sympathetic arousal

A

Adrenal medulla

105
Q

Produces over 30 different hormones that regulate salt intake and help initiate and control stress reaction, also provides a source of sex hormones in addition to those provided by the gonads

A

Adrenal cortex

106
Q

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate salt intake and help initiate and control stress reactions also called steroids

A

Corticoids

107
Q

Adrenal hormone released when the body experiences stress, both physical stress and psychological stress. It is important in the release of glucose into the bloodstream during stress, providing energy for the brain itself, and in the release of fatty acids from the fat cells that provide the muscles with energy

A

Cortisol

108
Q

Releases epinephrine and norepinephrine when people are under stress and that aids in sympathetic arousal

A

Adrenal medulla

109
Q

Produces over 30 different hormones that regulate salt intake and help initiate and control stress reaction, also provides a source of sex hormones in addition to those provided by the gonads

A

Adrenal cortex

110
Q

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate salt intake and help initiate and control stress reactions also called steroids

A

Corticoids

111
Q

Adrenal hormone released when the body experiences stress, both physical stress and psychological stress. It is important in the release of glucose into the bloodstream during stress, providing energy for the brain itself, and in the release of fatty acids from the fat cells that provide the muscles with energy

A

Cortisol

112
Q

The procedure of stimulating a specific area of the brain is much the same as in lesioning, but the much milder current in this research does no damage to the neurons. It does cause the neurons to react as if they had received a message

A

Electrical stimulation of the brain or ESB

113
Q

In this procedure, neurosurgeons place electrodes in specific deep brain areas and then route the electrode wires to a pacemaker like device called an impulse generator that is surgically implanted under the collarbone

A

Deep brain stimulation or DBS

114
Q

Magnetic pulses are applied to the cortex using special copper wire coils that are positioned over the head, stimulating neurons in the targeted area of the cortex

A

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation rTMS

115
Q

Uses scalp electrodes to pass very low amplitude direct-current to the brain to change the excitability of cortical neurons directly below the electrodes

A

Transcranial direct-current stimulation tDCS

116
Q

Allows researchers to estimate the concentration of specific chemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain

A

MRI spectroscopy

117
Q

Uses MRI technology to provide a way to measure connectivity in the brain by imaging these white matter tracts

A

DTI, or diffusion tensor imaging

118
Q

Very fast, irregular waves that indicate waking activity

A

Beta waves

119
Q

Slightly regular and slower waves that are a sign of relaxation

A

Alpha waves

120
Q

Waves associated with drowsiness and sleep

A

Theta waves

121
Q

Much slower, larger waves that indicate deep sleep

A

Delta waves

122
Q

Stimulates the upper part of the brain, keeping people awake and alert

A

Reticular activating system RAS

123
Q

The first symptoms are tremors, an unsteady walk, slurred speech, dizziness, and muscle weakness. The person suffering from this disease will eventually be unable to walk, stand, or even get a spoon to his or her own mouth

A

Spinocerebellar degradation

124
Q

The limbic structure that is found in the cortex above the corpus callosum in the frontal and parietal lobes, playing an important role in both emotional and cognitive processing. It has been shown to be active during a variety of cognitive tasks such as selective attention, written word recognition, and working memory

A

Cingulate cortex

125
Q

The increase in wrinkling of the brain as it increases in size and complexity

A

Corticalization

126
Q

The area of the occipital lobe that processes visual information from the eyes

A

Primary visual cortex

127
Q

The part of the brain that helps identify and make sense of the visual information from the eyes in the occipital lobe

A

Visual association cortex

128
Q

A doctor studying slides of brain tissue that first theorized in 1887 that the nervous system was made up of individual cells

A

Santiago Ramon y Cajal

129
Q

Accomplished the first of electroencephalogram EEG recording in humans in 1924

A

Hans Berger

130
Q

Famed neurologists who had a patient with a tumor in his right occipital lobe, who could still see objects perfectly well but could not identify them by sight alone

A

Oliver Sacks

131
Q

Two parts contained in the Temporel lobes

A

Primary auditory cortex and the auditory association area

132
Q

The most forward part of the frontal lobes

A

Pre-frontal cortex

133
Q

The middle area toward the center of the frontal lobe

A

Medial prefrontal cortex

134
Q

The bottom surface of the frontal lobe above the eyes

A

Orbitofrontal prefrontal cortex

135
Q

Suffered damage to his frontal lobe, coming to lack emotional control because of the damage to this lobes connection with the limbic system structures, particularly the amygdala

A

Phineas Gage

136
Q

An area of the brain in the left frontal lobe devoted to the production of speech

A

Broca’s area

137
Q

19th century neurologist who first studied people with damage to Broca’s area

A

Paul Broca

138
Q

Area of the brain in the left Temporal lobe that appears to be involved in understanding the meaning of words

A

Warnicke’s area

139
Q

Physiologist who first studied problems arising from damage in Wernecke’s area

A

Carl Wernicke

140
Q

Reported an interesting case of unilateral spatial neglect in his book, Phantoms in the Brain

A

Dr. V.S. Ramachandran

141
Q

Pioneer in the field of hemisphere specialization, winning a Nobel prize for his work in demonstrating that the left and right hemispheres of the brain specialize in different activities and functions

A

Roger Sperry

142
Q

Hemisphere of the brain specializing in language, speech, hand writing, calculations, sense of time and rhythm, and basically any kind of thought requiring analysis

A

Left

143
Q

Hemisphere of the brain specializing in global or widespread processing involving perception, visualization, spatial perception, recognition of patterns, faces, emotions, melodies, and expression of emotions

A

Right

144
Q

Student of Roger Sperry and a long time researcher in the area of brain asymmetry and cognitive neuroscience, working in brain lateralization leading to insights of the integrated mind. continues to work in related areas including human consciousness, perception, and neuroethics

A

Michael Gazzaniga

145
Q

Your teacher asked you to describe the sequence of parts for neuron that the impulse travels during neural conduction.

A

Dendrites, soma, axon, synaptic knob

Psychology (5 decks)

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