Chapter Three - Biology and Behavior Flashcards
dendrites
branchlike extensions of the neuron that detect information from other neurons
cell body
site, in the neuron, where information from thousands of other neurons is collected and integrated
axon
a long narrow outgrowth of a neuron by which information is transmitted to other neurons
terminal buttons
small nodules, at the end of axons, that release chemical signals from the neuron into the synapse
synapse
the site at which chemical communication occurs between neurons
synaptic cleft
the gap between the axon of a “sending” neuron and the dendrites of a “receiving” neuron; it contains extracellular fluid
myelin sheath
a fatty material, made up of glial cells, that insulates the axon and allows for the rapid movement of electrical impulses along the axon
nodes of Ranvier
small gaps of exposed axon, between the segments of myelin sheath, where action potentials are transmitted
resting membrane potential
the electrical charge of a neuron when it is not active
–> ratio of neg to pos ions in the neuron is greater than outside the neuron (more neg on inside)
action potential
the neural impulse that passes along the axon and subsequently causes the release of chemicals from the terminal buttons
all-or-none principle
the principle whereby a neuron fires with the same potency each time, although frequency can vary, a neuron either fires or not, it cannot partially fire
neurotransmitters
chemical substances that carry signals from one neuron to another
receptors
in neurons, specialized protein molecules on the postsynaptic membrane; neurotransmitters bind to these molecules after passing across the synaptic cleft
reuptake
the process whereby a neurotransmitter is taken back into the presynaptic terminal buttons, thereby stopping its activity
agonists
drugs that enhance the actions of neurotransmitters
antagonists
drugs that inhibit the actions of neurotransmitters
Broca’s area
a small portion of the left frontal region of the brain, crucial for the production of language
brain stem
an extension of the spinal cord; it houses structures that control functions associated with survival, such as breathing and swallowing
cerebellum
a large, convoluted protuberance at the back of the brain stem; it is essential for coordinated movement and balance
hypothalamus
a brain structure that is involved in the regulation of bodily functions, including blood pressure and blood glucose levels
influences are basic motivated behaviors
thalamus
gateway to the brain
receives almost all incoming sensory information before it reaches the cortex
hippocampus
a brain structure that is associated with the formation of memories
amygdala
a brain structure that serves a vital role in our learning to associate things with emotional responses and in processing emotional information
basal ganglia
a system of subcortical structures that are important for the production of planned movement
cerebral cortex
the outer layer of brain tissue
forms the convoluted surface of the brain
occipital lobes
regions of the cerebral cortex (at the back of the brain),=
important for vision
parietal lobes
regions of cerebral cortex - in front of occipital, behind frontal - important for sense of touch and for conceptualizing the spatial layout of an environment
temporal lobes
regions of the cerebral cortex - below the parietal and in front of the occipital - important for processing auditory information, for memory, and for object and face perception
frontal lobes (general definition)
regions of the cerebral cortex - at front of brain - important for movement and higher-level psychological processes associated with the prefrontal cortex
