Chapter 3 Flashcards
Neuroscience and Behavior
Neurons
Cells in the nervous system that communicate with each other to preform information-processing tasks.
Cell Body (Soma)
Part of the neuron that coordinates the information-processing tasks and keeps the cell alive.
Dendrites
Parts of the neuron that receive information from other neurons and relay it to the cell body.
Axon
Part of the neuron that carries information to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
Myelin Sheath
An insulating layer of fatty material that supports the cells found in the nervous system.
Synapse
The junction or region between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another.
Sensory Neurons
Receive information from the external world and convey this information to the internal the brain via the spinal cord.
Motor Neurons
Carry Signals from the spinal cord to the muscles to produce movement.
Interneurons
Connect sensory neurons, motor neurons, or other interneurons.
Action Potential
An electric signal that is conducted along the length of a neuron’s axon or synapse.
Terminal Buttons
Knoblike structure s at the end of an axon.
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that transmit information across the synapse to a receiving neuron’s dendrite.
Recptors
Parts of the cell membrane that receive neurotransmitters and either initiate or prevent a new electric signal.
Agonists
Drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter.
Antagonist
Drugs that diminish the function of a neurotransmitter.
Nervous System
An interacting network of neurons that conveys information throughout the body.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Composed of the brain and spinal Coard.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Connects the central nervous system to the body’s organs and muscles.
Somatic Nervous System
A set of nerves that conveys information between voluntary muscles and the central nervous system.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
A set of nerves that carries involuntary and automatic commands that control blood vessels, body organs, and glands.
Sympathetic Nervous System
A set of nerves that prepare the body for action in challenging or threatening situations.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Helps the body return to a normal resting state.
Hindbrain
An area of the brain that coordinates information coming into and out of the spinal cord.
Medulla
An extension of the spinal cord into the skull that coordinates heart rate, circulation, and respiration.
Cerebellum
A large structure of the hindbrain that controls fine motor skills.
Cerebral Cortex
The outermost layer of the brain, visible to the naked eye, and divided into two hemispheres.
Subcortical Structures
Areas of the forebrain housed under the cerebral cortex near the center of the brain.
Thalamus
relays and filters information from the senses and transmits the information to the cerebral cortex.
Hypothalamus
Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior.
Hippocampus
Critical for creating new memories and integrating them into a network of knowledge so that they can be stored indefinitely in other parts of the cerebral cortex.
Amygdala
Plays a central role in many emotional processes, particularly the formation of emotional memories.
Endocrine System
A network of glands that produces secretes hormones, which influence a wide variety of basic functions, including metabolism, growth, and sexual development.
Pituitary Gland
The “master gland” of the body’s hormone-producing system, which releases hormones that direct the function of many other glands in the body.
Pineal Gland
Secretes melatonin, influencing the sleep-wake cycle.
Corpus Callosusm
A thick band of nerve fibers that connects large areas of the cerebral cortex on each side of the brain and supports communication of information across hemispheres.
Occipital Lobe
Process visual information.
Temporal Lobe
Responsible for hearing and language.
Parietal Lobe
Processing information about touch.
Frontal Lobe
Specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, and judgement.
