Chapter 2 - biology and behavior Flashcards
neuroscience
the study of the brain and nervous system
biological psychology
the branch of psychology that focuses on how the brain and other biological systems influence human behavior.
phrenology
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.
neurons
Specialized cells of the nervous system that transmit electrical and chemical signals in the body; nerve cells
cell body
the region of the neuron that includes structures that nourish the cell, and a nucleus containing DNA
dendrites
tiny branchlike fibers extending from the cell body that receive messages from other neurons and sen information in the direction of the cell body
axon
skinny tubelike structure of a neuron that extends from the cell body, and which sends messages to other neurons through its terminal buds
myelin sheath
fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds the transmission of neural messages
synapse
tiny gap between a terminal bud of one axon and a dendrite of a neighboring neuron; junction between neurons where communication occurs
glial cells
cells that support nourish and protect neurons
some produce myelin that covers axons
resting potential
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)
action potential
the spike in voltage that passes through the axon of a neuron the purpose of which is to convey information
all or none
A neuron either fires or does not fire action potentials are always the same strength
neurotransmitters
chemical messengers that neurons use to communicate at the synapse
receptor sites
locations on the receiving neuron’s dendrites where neurotransmitters attach
reuptake
process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending terminal bud
Central nervous system (CNS)
a major component of the human nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
the part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body
spinal cord
the bundle of neurons that allows communication between the brain and the peripheral nervous system
sensory neurons
neurons that receive information from the sensory systems and convey it to the brain for further processing.
motor neurons
neurons that transmit information from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands
interneurons
neurons that reside exclusively in the brain and spinal cord, act as a bridge connecting sensory and motor neurons
reflex arc
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
nerves
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
somatic nervous system
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
autonomic nervous system
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
sympathetic nervous system
the division of the autonomous nervous system that mobilizes the “fight or flight” response to stressful or crisis situations
parasympathetic nervous system
the division of the autonomic nervous system that orchestrates the “rest and digest” response to bring the body back to non crisis mode
endocrine system
the communication system that uses glands to convey messages by releasing hormones into the bloodstream
hormones
chemical messages released into the bloodstream that influence mood cognition appetite and many other processes and behaviors
pituitary gland
the pea-sized gland located in the center of the brain just under the hypothalamus; known as the master gland
thyroid gland
endocrine gland that regulates metabolic rate by secreting thyroxin
adrenal glands
endocrine glands involved in the stress response and the regulation of salt balance
cerebrum
the largest part of the brain, includes virtually all parts of the brain except brainstem and structures; has two distinct hemispheres
corpus callosum
the thick band of nerve fibers connecting the right and the left cerebral hemispheres; principal structure for information shared between the two hemispheres
split brain operation
a rare procedure used to disconnect the right and left hemispheres by cutting the corpus callosum
lateralization
the idea that each cerebral hemisphere processes certain types of information and excels in certain activities
Broca’s area
a region of the cortex that is critical for speech production
Wernicke’s Area
a region of the cortex that plays a pivotal role in language comprehension
neuroplasticity
the brain’s ability to heal, grow new connections, and reorganize in order to adapt to the environment
neurogenesis
the generation of new neurons in the brain
stem cells
cells responsible for producing new neurons
cerebral cortex
the wrinkled outermost layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher mental functions, such as decision making, language, and processing visual information
frontal lobes
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
parietal lobes
the area of the cortex that receives and processes sensory information such as touch, pressure, temperature, and spatial orientation
occipital lobes
the area of the cortex in the back of the head that processes visual information
temporal lobes
the area of the cortex that processes auditory stimuli and language
motor cortex
a band of tissue toward the rear of the frontal lobes that works with the brain regions to plan and execute voluntary movements
somatosensory cortex
a band of tissue running parallel to the motor cortex that receives and integrates sensory information from all over the body
association areas
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
limbic system
a collection of structures that regulates emotions and basic drives like hunger, and aids in the creation of memories
thalamus
a structure in the limbic system that processes and relays sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cortex
hypothalamus
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
amygdala
a pair of almond shaped structures in the limbic system that processes aggression and basic emotions such as fear, as well as associated memories
hippocampus
a pair of structures located in the limbic system; primarily responsible for creating new memories.
forebrain
largest part of the brain; includes the cerebral cortex and the limbic system
midbrain
the part of the brainstem involved in levels of arousal; responsible for generating movement patterns in response to sensory input
reticular formation
a network of neurons running through the midbrain that controls levels of arousal and quickly analyzes sensory information on its way to the cortex
hindbrain
includes areas of the brain responsible for fundamental life sustaining processes
pons
a hindbrain structure that helps regulate sleep wake cycles and coordinate movement between right and left sides of the body
medulla
a structure that oversees vital functions, including breathing, digestion, and heart rate
cerebellum
structure located behind the brainstem that is responsible for muscle coordination and balance; latin for little brain
