Chapter 2 - Biology and Behavior Flashcards
Parts of neuron
dendrites, cell body, axon
Neurotransmitters
chemical communicators across synapse
Examples of neurotransmitters
dopamine, seratonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, endorphins
Myelin sheath
a fatty, insulating layer that wraps around the axons (nerve fibers) of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems
myelination
the process of forming a protective layer called the myelin sheath around the axons (nerve fibers) of neurons
Action potential
the change in electric potential that propagates along the axon of a neuron during the transmission of a nerve impulse or the contraction of a muscle.
CNS
brain and spinal chord
Parts of brain
Brainstem, Medulla, Pons, Reticular formation, Midbrain, Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Limbic system - amygdala and hippocampus, Cerebellum, Corpus callosum, Cerebral cortex
Brainstem
connects brain to spinal chord.
Medulla, Pons, Midbrain
SURVIVAL/Ancient brain
Medulla
extends from the spinal chord to the forebrain..
survival & vital functions: makes sure cardiovascular and respiratory systems are functioning properly.
Also contains nuclei for reflexive actions such as vomiting, coughing, sneezing, swallowing.
Pons
(Pons means bridge in latin)
Connects Medulla and the Midbrain.
Regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Coordinates movement between left and right sides of body.
Contains nuclei for sensations from the head and face, motor movement for the eyes, face, and mouth,
hearing
Equilibrium
Autonomic functions (tear, saliva production)
Midbrain
Part of brainstem above Pons
eye movements and visual processing.
Auditory processing.
Dopamine producing nuclei
Motivation/reward
generates movement patterns in response to stimuli
Reticular Formation
Located in the midbrain.
It’s an intricate web of neurons that is responsible for levels of arousal/consciousness. so whether you are awake, dozing off, or somewhere in between. Also filters out sensory data that isn’t important (background noise, etc.)
Cerebellum
“LIttle brain” in lattin.
A structure located behind the brainstem that is responsible for muscle coordination and balance.
hypothalamus
Keeps equilibrium.
The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces hormones that control:
Body temperature Heart rate Hunger Mood Release of hormones from many glands, especially the pituitary gland Sex drive Sleep Thirst
Limbic System
learning, memory, emotion. Amygdala and Hippocampus
Amygdala
Processes aggression and basic emotions like fear, and the memories associated with them.
hippocampus
primarily responsible for processing and forming new memories from experiences.
corpus callosum
connects right and left hemisphere
Cerebral cortex 4 lobes
frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital
Frontal Lobe
Organize information among the other lobes of the brain; responsible for higher level cognitive functions, such as thinking, perception, and impulse control.
speaking
planning
judging
abstract thinking
personality aspects
parietal lobes
somasensatory. receive and process sensory information, orient the body in space.
occipital lobes
process visual information, help us see
temporal lobes
comprehension of hearing and language; process auditory stimuli; recognize visual objects; key role in language comprehension and memory.
association areas
regions of the cortex that integrate information from all over the brain, allowing s to learn, think in abstract terms, and carry out other intellectual tasks.
Lateralization
the tendency for the left and right hemispheres to excel in certain activities.
Left hemisphere
language processing
Right hemisphere
visual-spacial tasks
neuroplasticity
the brain’s ability to heal, grow new connections, and reorganize in order to adapt to the environment.
Peripheral nervous system
sends sensory data to the cns
sympathetic nervous system
(part of autonomic nervous system)
fight/flight
raises heart rate
releases glucose from liver
constricts blood vessels
parasympathetic nervous system
(part of autonomic nervous system)
rest & digest
actions that occur in a state of relaxation
hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis
a neuroendocrine system that helps the body manage stress and maintain homeostasis. It’s made up of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, which work together to release hormones into the blood in response to stressful stimuli
