Chapter 3 - Biology Flashcards
Neuropsychology
study of the brain; it’s functions, and it’s role in behaviours and psychological process
Organic Brain Syndrome
a general term referring to diseases, usually not psychiatric disorders, that result in decreased mental functioning (head trauma/injury, strokes, acute infections, etc.)
Prefrontal Cortex
brain’s complex highway system containing personality and executive control functions (highly interconnected). Damage results in changes to executive control functions
Limbic System
connected system of brain structures responsible for emotional drives, including fear, aggression, hunger, sexual arousal
Amygdala
subcortical structure in the limbic system (somatic memory & fight-or-flight)
Hemispheric Asymetry
asymmetrical distribution of particular functions, such as language and verbal skills, to one hemisphere of the brain
Lateralization
localization of specialization of particular processes/functions to a particular region of the brain
Left Hemisphere
verbal/language functions (L=left/language)
Right Hemisphere
non-verbal, spatial information, facial recognition
Nervous System
comprehensive network of nerve cells or neurons, tissue, and organs that regulate and coordinate all the body’s activities
Endocrine System
network of glands that secretes hormones into the bloodstream, regulating several essential functions, including growth, metabolism, and sexual development
Neurotransmitters
chemical messengers that convey “information” in the form of electrically charged signals from neuron to neuron, and from brain structure to brain structure
Dopamine
Involved in approach-orientated or exploratory behaviours and pleasure-seeking actions
Norepinephrine
plays a role in a number of functions governed by the ANS, including the fight-or-flight response (higher levels = higher aggression)
Serotonin
plays a role in several emotional and behavioural processes, including mood, appetite, sleep regulation and behavioural inhibition
