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PSYC 104 > Chapter 3 - BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY > Flashcards

Chapter 3 - BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY Flashcards

1
Q

Neuron

A

Nerve cell specialized for communication. Sends and receives signals in the brain and body.

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2
Q

Dendrite

A

Portion of the neuron that receives signals.

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3
Q

Axon

A

Portion of the neuron that sends signals.

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4
Q

Synaptic Vesicle

A

Spherical sac containing neurotransmitters (stores and releases them).

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5
Q

Neurotransmitter

A

Chemical messenger specialized for communication from neuron to neuron by carrying signals across the synapse.

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6
Q

Synapse

A

Space between 2 connecting neurons where messages are transmitted chemically from one neuron to another.

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7
Q

Synaptic Cleft

A

The tiny gap between 2 neurons where neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal to send signals to the next neuron.

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8
Q

Glial Cells

A

A cell in the nervous system that play a role in the formation of myelin and the blood brain barrier, responds to injury, removes debris, facilitates communication among neurons, enhances learning and memory.

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9
Q

Myelin Sheath

A

Glial cells wrapped around the axon (to cover and protect) of a neuron, helps signals travel faster and more efficiently.

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10
Q

Resting Potential

A

When the neuron is waiting to send a signal/message and has a small negative charge inside (-60millivolts) compared to the outside.

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11
Q

Threshold of Excitation

A

The membrane potential necessary to trigger an action potential.

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12
Q

Action Potential

A

The electrical signal that travels down the axon triggering the release of neurotransmitters.

It happens when a neuron reaches its threshold of excitation and sends a message.

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13
Q

Absolute Refractory Period

A

The brief time after a neuron fires when it CANNOT fire again no matter how strong the signal is.

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14
Q

Receptor Site

A

Location that uniquely recognizes a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger that helps neurons communicate by carrying signals across the synapse).

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15
Q

Reuptake

A

Recycling neurotransmitters.

Reuptake is the process where neurotransmitters that weren’t used are reabsorbed back into the neuron that released them. It helps clear the synapse.

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16
Q

Endorphin

A

Chemical in the brain that plays a specialized role in pain reduction (like natural painkillers) and mood booster.

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17
Q
A
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18
Q

Plasticity

A

Ability of the nervous system to change.

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19
Q

Neurogenesis

A

Creation of new neurons in the adult brain.

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20
Q

Stem cell

A

A cell (often originating in embryos) that have the ability to turn into different types of cells in the body.
Stem cells help with growth, repair, and regeneration of tissue.

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21
Q

Central Nervous System (CNS)

A

Part of the nervous system containing the brain and the spinal cord that controls the mind and behaviour.

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22
Q

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

A

Nerves in the body outside of the central nervous system.

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23
Q

Cerebral Ventricles

A

Pockets in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provide the brain with nutrients and cushion against injury.

24
Q

Cerebral Cortex

A

Outer layer of the brain responsible analyzing sensory information (sight, touch, sound) and higher brain functions (thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving).

25
Forebrain (Cerebrum)
Top part of the brain that allows advanced intellectual abilities. It’s the largest and most advanced part of the brain - responsible for thinking, emotions, memory, voluntary movement, and processings sensory information.
26
Cerebral Hemispheres
Two halves of the cerebral cortex/brain, each side is responsible for different tastes but work together to help us think, move, and perceive the world. Left Hemisphere: logic and language. - controls the RIGHTS SIDE of the body. - handles language, speech, writing, math, and logical thinking. Right Hemisphere: creative and spatial. - controls the LEFT SIDE of the body. - processes creativity, emotions, facial recognition, and spatial awareness.
27
Corpus Callosum
Large bands of fibres connecting the two cerebral hemispheres.
28
Lateralization
Cognitive function that relies more on one side of the brain than the other.
29
Split-Brain Surgery
Procedure that severing the corpus callosum to reduce the spread of epileptic seizures.
30
Primary Sensory Cortex
Regions of the cerebral cortex that initially process information from the senses.
31
Association Cortex
Regions of the cerebral cortex that integrate simpler functions to perform more complex functions.
32
Basal Ganglia
Structures in the forebrain that help to control movement.
33
Limbic System
Network of regions involved in emotion, motivation, learning, and memory.
34
Thalamus
Takes sensory information (except smell) and sends it to the right place so you can see, hear, feel, and taste. Like a traffic controller for your brain.
35
Hypothalamus
Small but powerful part of the brain that controls body functions like hunger, thirst, sleep, temperature, and hormones. - tells you when to eat or drink. - keeps you warm or cool. - helps control when you wake up and sleep.
36
Hippocampus
Part of the brain that helps create and store memories. It also helps with learning and navigation.
37
Cerebellum
Part of the brain that controls movement, balance, and coordination. It helps you move smoothly and accurately without thinking about it.
38
Brain Stem
The bottom part of the brain that controls basic life functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
39
Midbrain
Part of the brain stem that contributes to movement, vision, hearing, and alertness. It also plays a role in reflexes and how we respond to sounds and sights.
40
Reticular Activating System (RAS)
Brain area that plays a key role in arousal.
41
Hindbrain
Region below the midbrain that contains the cerebellum, pons, and medulla. - medulla - controls breathing, heart rate, and digestion. - pons - helps with movement and communication between different parts of the brain. - cerebellum - controls balance, coordination, and fine motor skills.
42
Spinal Cord
Thick bundle of nerves that conveys signals between the brain and body.
43
Interneuron
Neuron that sends messages to other nearby neurons.
44
Somatic Nervous System
The part of the nervous system that communicates information between the central nervous system and the body, controlling and coordinating voluntary movement.
45
Automatic Nervous System
Part of the nervous system controlling the involuntary actions of our internal organs and glands, which (along with the limbic system) participates in emotion regulation.
46
Sympathetic nervous system
Part of the automatic nervous system, engaged during a crisis, prepares your body for “fight or flight.”
47
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Part of the automatic nervous system that controls rest and digestion.
48
Endocrine System
System of glands and hormones that controls secretion of blood-borne chemical messengers.
49
Hormone
Chemical released into the bloodstream that influences particular organs and glands.
50
Pituitary Gland
Known as the master gland - directs the other glands of the body. Under the control of the hypothalamus.
51
Adrenal Gland
Tissue at the top of the kidneys that release adrenaline and cortisol during emotional arousal.
52
Chromosome
Thread like structure found in a nucleus that carries genes. Determines traits like eye colour, height, and even health conditions.
53
Gene
Genetic material composed of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
54
Genotype
Our genetic makeup.
55

PSYC 104 (4 decks)

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