Chapter 3: Biopsychology Flashcards
An individual nerve cell is called a ___.
neuron
Larges bundles of neurons are called ____.
Nerves
A white fatty substance that coats many nerves is called ____.
Myelin
What are the important roles of myelin?
-insulates nerves
- improves speed & precision of electrical impulses
Myelin supports the ____ impulses.
electrical
____ is a chemical transmission point between two neurons
Synapse
True/False: Neurons touch each other
False
Brain chemicals are also called _____.
Neurotransmitters
If there are more + neurotransmitters what happens?
The nerve will fire
The outermost layer of cells on most axons is called ____.
Neurilemma
What does neurilemma do?
Forms a tunnel that damaged cells can follow as they repair themselves
When you regain feeling after an injury this is because the ____ is working.
Neurilemma
What are psychoactive drugs?
Substances that alter mood, perception, memory, and self-control
What causes a hangover?
Psychoactive drugs provide a surplus of endorphins which tricks the brain into thinking it can stop producing them. So, when you are done drinking your brain is in a “resting” phase and has to begin producing the endorphins all over again because you are short of them.
How the brain can change and adapt is called _____.
Neuroplasticity
When someone has a stroke and regains movement over time this is due to their healthy parts taking control of that area which is AKA _____.
Neuroplasticity
What is the largest brain structure and also the outer layer of the brain?
Cerebral Cortex
What is the right hemisphere used for?
perception (puzzles, art, recognizing)
The connection between the L&R hemispheres is called?
Corpus Callosum
What is a split brain patient?
Someone who has had their corpus callosum cut and cannot use both hemispheres at the same time
The ____ lobe is used for higher mental functions, personality, and reasoning
Frontal
The ____ lobe is used for body sensations
Parietal
Which lobe is used for hearing and language?
Temporal
What section of the brain is used for vital life functions that happen automatically?
Subcortex