Chapter 3 Biological Aspects of Psychology Flashcards
Neural receptors
Are sites on the surface of a cell that allows only one type of neurotransmitter to fit into them, triggering a chemical response that may lead to an action potential
Ex: The neurotransmitters attach to this protein like a puzzle piece
Post-synaptic Potential
The change in the membrane potential of a neuron that has received stimulation from another neuron
Excitatory Post-synaptic Potential
A post-synaptic potential that depolarizes the neuronal membrane, making the cell MORE likely to fire an action potential
Ex: If a child has a behavior that is rewarded by cookies (positive), they will continue to do that action
Inhibitory Post-synaptic Potential
A post-synaptic potential that hyper-polarizes the neuronal membrane, making a cell LESS likely to fire an action potential
Ex: If a child is punished (negative), they would less likely continue that behavior.
Neural Networks
Neurons that operate together to perform complex functions.
Sensory Neurons
cells in the nervous system that provide information to the brain about the environment.
Motor Neurons
Cells in the nervous system that the brain uses to influence muscles and other organs to respond to the environment in some way
Spinal Cord
Is the part of the central nervous system within the spinal column that sends signals from peripheral senses to the brain and conveys messages from the brain to the rest of the body
Reflexes
Involuntary, unlearned reactions in the form of swift, automatic, and finely coordinated movements in response to external stimuli
Substantia Nigra
An area of the mid brain involved in the smooth beginning of movement
Striatum
A structure within the fore brain that is involved in the smooth BEGINNING of MOVEMENT
Cerebral Cortex
The outer surface of the brain
Lateral Dominance
AKA Lateralization, this is the tendency for one cerebral hemisphere to excel at a particular function or skill compared with the other hemisphere
Ex: Broca’s Area and Wernicke’s area are found almost entirely on the left side of the brain… Hemisphere? note.
Neural Plasticity
The ability to create new synapses and to change the strength of synapses
Neural Stem Cells
Special cells in the nervous system that are capable of dividing to form new tissue, including new neurons
