Chapter 8 Flashcards
Hypothalamus
complex structure near the lower center of the brain that has direct connections to many other parts of the brain and is involved in the production of psychologically important hormones; thought to be important for mood and motivation
Hippocampus
complex structure deep within the brain, behind the hypothalamus, that plays an important role in memory processes
cortex
outer layers of the brain
neocortex
the outer layer of the cortex of the brain, regarded as uniquely human
frontal cortex
the front part of the cortex of the brain. Divided left and right into the two prontal loves, this part of the brain is associated with cognitive functioning such as planning, foresight, and understanding.
Phineas Gage, lobotomy
electroencephalography (EEG)
technique for measuring the brain’s electrical activity by placing electrode sensors on the outside of the scull.
magnetoencephalography (MEG)
technique for using delicate magnetic sensors on the outside of the skull to detect brain activity
positron emission tomography (PET)
technique for creating images of brain activity by injecting a radioactive tracer into the blood and then finding with a scanner where in the brain the blood is being metabolized
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
technique for imaging brain activity by using a powerful magnet to help detect blood flow int the brain
ascending reticular activating system (ARAS)
part of the upper brain stem through which information flows into the brain and stimulates it
introversion and extroversion
amygdala
structure located near the base of the brain that is believed to play a role in emotion, especially negative emotions such as anger and fear
corpus callosum
thick bundle of nerve fibers connecting the right and left halves of the brain.
anterior cingulate
front part of the cingulate, a brain structure that runs from the front to the back of the brain in the middle, just about the corpus callosum. believed to be important for the experience of normal emotion and self control
neurons
cell of the nervous system that receives and transmits information
neurotransmitters
chemicals that allow one neuron to affect or communicate with another.
syanpse
space between two neurons across which impulses are carried by neurotransmitters
hormones
biological chemical that affects parts of the body some distance from where it was produced
central nervous system
brain and spinal cord
peripheral nervous system
system of nerves running throughout the body, not including the brain and spinal cord
endorphins
body’s own pain-killing chemicals which operate by blocking the transmission of pain messages to the brain.
dopamine
neurotransmitter in the brain that plays an important role in positive emotions and response to reward
serotonin
neurotransmitter within the brain that plays an important role in the regulation of emotion and motivation
gonads
glands, testes in men and ovaries in women, that (among other effects) produce the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen
adrenal cortex
outer layer of the adrenal gland, atop the kidneys, that secretes several behaviorally important hormones
