Chapter 3: The brain biology and behavior Flashcards
Neuron
An individual nerve cell
Bio psychology
The study of how biological processes, especially activity in the brain and nervous system, relate to behavior
Dendrites
Neuron fibers that receive incoming messages
Soma
The main body of a neuron or other cell
Axon
Fiber that carries information away from the cell body of a neuron
Axon terminals
Branching fibers at the end of axons
Ion
An Electrically charged molecule
Resting potential
The electrical charge of a neuron at rest
Threshold
The point at which a nerve impulse is triggered
Action potential
The nerve impulse
Ion channels
Channels through the axon membrane
All or nothing event
An event that happens completely or not at all
Synapse
The microscopic space between two neurons, over which messages pass
Neuro transmitter
Any chemical released by a neuron that alters activity and other neurons
Receptor sites
Areas on the surface of neurons and other cells that are sensitive to neurotransmitters or hormones
Acetylcholine
The neurotransmitter released by neurons to activate muscles
Enkephalins
Opiate like brain chemicals that regulate reactions to pain and stress
Curare
A drug that competes with acetylcholine, causing paralysis
Neuropeptides
Brain chemicals that regulate the activity of neurons
Endorphins
Chemicals that are similar in structure and pain killing effect to opiate drugs such as morphine
Nerve
A bundle of neuron fibers
Myelin
A fatty layer coating some axons
Neurilemma
A layer of cells that encases many axons
Central nervous system(CNS)
The brain and the spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system(PNS)
All parts of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord
Somatic system
The system of nerves linking the spinal cord with body and sense organs.
Autonomic system
The system of nerves carrying information to and from the internal organs and glands
Sympathetic branch
A branch of the ANS that arouses the body
Parasympathetic branch
A branch of the ANS that quiet the body
White matter
Areas that appear white because of the presence of Myelin
Spinal nerves
Major nerves that carry sensory and motor messages in and out of the spinal cord
Cranial nerves
Major nerves that leave the brain without passing through the spinal cord
Reflex arc
The simplest behavior in which is stimulus provokes an automatic response
Sensory neuron
A nerve cell that carries information from the senses toward the CNS
Connector neuron
A nerve cell that serves as a link between two others
Motor neuron
A nerve cell that carries motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands
Effector cells
Cells and muscles and glands that are capable of producing some type of response
Clinical study
An intensive investigation of the behavior of a single person, especially one suffering from some injury, disease, or disorder.
ablation
Surgical removal of tissue
Electrode
Any device (such as a wire, middle, or metal plate) used to electrically stimulate nerve tissue or to record its activity
Deep lesioning
Removal of tissue within the brain by use of an electrode
Electrical stimulation of the brain
Direct electrical stimulation and activation of brain tissue