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Psychology 100 > Chapter 3 - Neuropsychology > Flashcards

Chapter 3 - Neuropsychology Flashcards

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1
Q

Parts of the Nervous System

A
  • Central NS
  • Peripheral NS
  • Endocrine System
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2
Q

Central NS

A

part of the NS which processes sensory information that goes through your brain and spinal cord
- Encased in bone

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3
Q

Peripheral NS

A

the part of the NS where communication occurs along the nerves, including the skin

  • made up of Somatic NS, and Autonomic NS
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4
Q

Endocrine System

A

endocrine glands communicate information from one part of the body to another by secreting messenger chemicals called hormones into the bloodstream

- Hormones regulate physical processes and can influence behavior
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5
Q

Nerve:

A

a neuron axon which carries information in the PNS

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6
Q

Neuron

A

a nerve cell which communicates information from one part of the body to another

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7
Q

Types of Neurons

A
  • Sensory neurons(efferent): carries information about the environment from peripherals to the brain
    • Motor Neurons(afferent): carries information from the brain to muscles and glands to carry out functions and movements

Interneurons: communicates information between sensory and motor neurons and the CNS
- most common

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8
Q

Structure of Neurons

A
  • Cell body(soma): provides energy for the neuron and contains the cell nucleus
    • Dendrites: receives information from neighboring cells via neural communication
      ○ Can become denser to receive more info as a result of stimulation
    • Axon: a long, fluid filled tube which carries a neurons message to other cells via neurotransmitters and has a myelin sheath over
    • Synapse: the gap between two neurons
      Transmission occurs electronically or chemically via neurotransmitters
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9
Q

Glial Cells:

A

a cell in the human brain which provides structural and nutritional support to the neurons as well as by removing cell wastes and manufacturing myelin

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10
Q

Myelin Sheath

A

a white, fatty covering wrapped around axons of neurons which assists in increasing speed in which neurons communicate

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11
Q

Endorphins

A

a neurotransmitter which can influence the perception of pain or pleasure

- An oversupply with opiate drugs(depressants) can suppress the bodys natural endorphin supply
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12
Q

Branches of the PNS

A

Somatic Nervous System: communicates sensory information to the CNS and motor messages from the CNS to the muscles and glands

Autonomic Nervous System: regulates involuntary functions with little to no conscious involvement.
- E.g. heartbeats, blood pressure, breathing
- Emotions and mental imagery can influence the ANS

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13
Q

Branches of the Autonomic Nervous System

A
  1. Sympathetic NS: produces physical arousal to meet the perceived threat
    • Fight or flight response
  2. Parasympathetic NS: conserves and maintains your physical resources by either keeping us at, or returning us to homeostasis
    • Most commonly activated
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14
Q

Spinal Reflex

A

an innate, automatic and unconscious behavior that is processed in the spinal cord without the involvement of the brain to quicken response time and aid in survival
- E.g. jerking your hand back after touching a hot stove

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15
Q

Neuroplasticity

A

the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or an experience

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16
Q

Types of Neural Plasticity:

A
  • Structural Plasticity: the ability to physically change its structure in response to learning, active practice or environmental stimulation
    • E.g. more dendrites, more synaptic connections
  • Functional Plasticity: the brains ability to shift functions from damaged areas to undamaged areas
17
Q

Main Brain Structures

A
  1. Midbrain: contains structures involved in processing, visual and auditory information
  2. Hindbrain: region at base of brain which connects the brain to the spinal cord
    • Brainstem is composed of the Pons and Medulla
  3. Forebrain: uppermost and largest brain region
18
Q

Cerebral Cortex

A

the ultimate control and information processing center which plays a key role in consciousness such as attention, thought, memory.

- Found in the Forebrain and divided into two hemispheres which can communicate due to the Corpus Callosum 

- Left is superior in language, speech, reading and writing

- Right is superior in nonverbal emotional expressions and visual spatial tasks
19
Q

Lobes in each Hemisphere of the cerebral cortex

A
  • Frontal: largest lobe which involves thinking, emotional control, initiating voluntary movements, speaking, intelligence and personality
    • Parietal: processes somatosensory information including touch, body temperature and pressure
    • Occipital: visual
    • Temporal: primary receiving area for auditory information
20
Q

Limbic System

A

lies under the cerebral cortex and is associated with emotions and drives

21
Q

Structure of the Limbic System: Hypothalamus

A

helps body remain in a homeostatic state by regulating the endocrine system

22
Q

Structure of the Limbic System: Thalamus

A
  • relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex as well as regulates awareness and motivation
    ○ located within each hemisphere
23
Q

Structure of the Limbic System: Amygdala

A
  • Amygdala: responsible for processing emotional responses and involved in the formation of memories which have a strong emotional component
    ○ Base of the temporal lobe
24
Q

Structure of the Limbic System: Hippocampus

A
  • assists in the ability to form new memories and facts of events
25
Q

Acetylcholine(ACh)

A

enables muscle action, learning and memory

- In Alzheimers disease, Ach-producing neurons deteriorate
26
Q

Dopamine

A

influences movement, learning, attention and emotions

- Excess is linked to schizophrenia
- Undersupply leads to tremors and parkinsons disease
27
Q

Serotonin

A

affects mood, hunger, sleep and arousal

  • Undersupply linked to depression
    • Raised by prozac and antidepressant drugs
28
Q

Norepinephrine

A

helps control alertness and arousal

- Undersupply can depress mood
29
Q

GABA

A

a major inhibitory neurotransmitter

- Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors and insomnia
30
Q

Glutamate

A

a major excitatory neurotransmitter and involved in memory

- Oversupply results in overstimulation of brain creating migraines and seizures

Psychology 100 (12 decks)

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