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General Psychology > Chapter 2 - biology and behavior > Flashcards

Chapter 2 - biology and behavior Flashcards

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1
Q

neuroscience

A

the study of the brain and nervous system

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2
Q

biological psychology

A

the branch of psychology that focuses on how the brain and other biological systems influence human behavior.

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3
Q

phrenology

A

an early approach to explaining the functions of the brain by trying to link the physical structure of the skull with a variety of characteristics.

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4
Q

neurons

A

Specialized cells of the nervous system that transmit electrical and chemical signals in the body; nerve cells

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5
Q

cell body

A

the region of the neuron that includes structures that nourish the cell, and a nucleus containing DNA

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6
Q

dendrites

A

tiny branchlike fibers extending from the cell body that receive messages from other neurons and sen information in the direction of the cell body

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7
Q

axon

A

skinny tubelike structure of a neuron that extends from the cell body, and which sends messages to other neurons through its terminal buds

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8
Q

myelin sheath

A

fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds the transmission of neural messages

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9
Q

synapse

A

tiny gap between a terminal bud of one axon and a dendrite of a neighboring neuron; junction between neurons where communication occurs

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10
Q

glial cells

A

cells that support nourish and protect neurons

some produce myelin that covers axons

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11
Q

resting potential

A

the electrical potential of a cell at rest, the state of a cell when it is not activated(constantly in motion though pushing the sodium out causing a negative in balance which keeps the system ready to go at anytime with little start time)

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12
Q

action potential

A

the spike in voltage that passes through the axon of a neuron the purpose of which is to convey information

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13
Q

all or none

A

A neuron either fires or does not fire action potentials are always the same strength

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14
Q

neurotransmitters

A

chemical messengers that neurons use to communicate at the synapse

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15
Q

receptor sites

A

locations on the receiving neuron’s dendrites where neurotransmitters attach

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16
Q

reuptake

A

process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending terminal bud

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17
Q

Central nervous system (CNS)

A

a major component of the human nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord

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18
Q

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

A

the part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body

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19
Q

spinal cord

A

the bundle of neurons that allows communication between the brain and the peripheral nervous system

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20
Q

sensory neurons

A

neurons that receive information from the sensory systems and convey it to the brain for further processing.

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21
Q

motor neurons

A

neurons that transmit information from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands

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22
Q

interneurons

A

neurons that reside exclusively in the brain and spinal cord, act as a bridge connecting sensory and motor neurons

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23
Q

reflex arc

A

an automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee jerk reaction; a simple pathway of communication from sensory neurons through inter neurons in the spinal cord back out through motor neurons

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24
Q

nerves

A

bundles of neurons that carry information to and from the Central nervous system; provide communication between the central nervous system and the muscles,glands, and sensory receptors

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25
Q

somatic nervous system

A

the branch of the peripheral nervous system that includes sensory nerves and motor nerves; gathers information from sensory receptors and controls the skeletal muscles responsible for voluntary movement

26
Q

autonomic nervous system

A

the branch of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary processes within the body, such as contraction in the digestive tract and activity of glands

27
Q

sympathetic nervous system

A

the division of the autonomous nervous system that mobilizes the “fight or flight” response to stressful or crisis situations

28
Q

parasympathetic nervous system

A

the division of the autonomic nervous system that orchestrates the “rest and digest” response to bring the body back to non crisis mode

29
Q

endocrine system

A

the communication system that uses glands to convey messages by releasing hormones into the bloodstream

30
Q

hormones

A

chemical messages released into the bloodstream that influence mood cognition appetite and many other processes and behaviors

31
Q

pituitary gland

A

the pea-sized gland located in the center of the brain just under the hypothalamus; known as the master gland

32
Q

thyroid gland

A

endocrine gland that regulates metabolic rate by secreting thyroxin

33
Q

adrenal glands

A

endocrine glands involved in the stress response and the regulation of salt balance

34
Q

cerebrum

A

the largest part of the brain, includes virtually all parts of the brain except brainstem and structures; has two distinct hemispheres

35
Q

corpus callosum

A

the thick band of nerve fibers connecting the right and the left cerebral hemispheres; principal structure for information shared between the two hemispheres

36
Q

split brain operation

A

a rare procedure used to disconnect the right and left hemispheres by cutting the corpus callosum

37
Q

lateralization

A

the idea that each cerebral hemisphere processes certain types of information and excels in certain activities

38
Q

Broca’s area

A

a region of the cortex that is critical for speech production

39
Q

Wernicke’s Area

A

a region of the cortex that plays a pivotal role in language comprehension

40
Q

neuroplasticity

A

the brain’s ability to heal, grow new connections, and reorganize in order to adapt to the environment

41
Q

neurogenesis

A

the generation of new neurons in the brain

42
Q

stem cells

A

cells responsible for producing new neurons

43
Q

cerebral cortex

A

the wrinkled outermost layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher mental functions, such as decision making, language, and processing visual information

44
Q

frontal lobes

A

the area of the cortex that organizes information among the other lobes of the brain and is responsible for cognitive functions, such as thinking, perception, and impulse control

45
Q

parietal lobes

A

the area of the cortex that receives and processes sensory information such as touch, pressure, temperature, and spatial orientation

46
Q

occipital lobes

A

the area of the cortex in the back of the head that processes visual information

47
Q

temporal lobes

A

the area of the cortex that processes auditory stimuli and language

48
Q

motor cortex

A

a band of tissue toward the rear of the frontal lobes that works with the brain regions to plan and execute voluntary movements

49
Q

somatosensory cortex

A

a band of tissue running parallel to the motor cortex that receives and integrates sensory information from all over the body

50
Q

association areas

A

regions of the cortex that integrate information from all over the brain, allowing us to learn, think in abstract terms, and carry out other intellectual tasks

51
Q

limbic system

A

a collection of structures that regulates emotions and basic drives like hunger, and aids in the creation of memories

52
Q

thalamus

A

a structure in the limbic system that processes and relays sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cortex

53
Q

hypothalamus

A

a small structure located below the thalamus that maintains a constant internal environment within a healthy range; helps regulate sleep wake cycles, sexual behavior and appetite

54
Q

amygdala

A

a pair of almond shaped structures in the limbic system that processes aggression and basic emotions such as fear, as well as associated memories

55
Q

hippocampus

A

a pair of structures located in the limbic system; primarily responsible for creating new memories.

56
Q

forebrain

A

largest part of the brain; includes the cerebral cortex and the limbic system

57
Q

midbrain

A

the part of the brainstem involved in levels of arousal; responsible for generating movement patterns in response to sensory input

58
Q

reticular formation

A

a network of neurons running through the midbrain that controls levels of arousal and quickly analyzes sensory information on its way to the cortex

59
Q

hindbrain

A

includes areas of the brain responsible for fundamental life sustaining processes

60
Q

pons

A

a hindbrain structure that helps regulate sleep wake cycles and coordinate movement between right and left sides of the body

61
Q

medulla

A

a structure that oversees vital functions, including breathing, digestion, and heart rate

62
Q

cerebellum

A

structure located behind the brainstem that is responsible for muscle coordination and balance; latin for little brain

General Psychology (7 decks)

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