Chapter Two Flashcards
Contemporary Perspectives on Abnormal Behavior and Methods of Treatment (136 cards)
mental illnesses
The medical model posits that abnormal behaviors represent symptoms of underlying disorders or diseases that have biological causes
Neurons
Makes up the nervous system
Nerve cells that transmit signals or “messages” throughout the body
- Allow us to sense
Dendrites
Each neuron has these short fibers that project out from the cell body
Receive messages from adjoining neurons
axon
Projects trunklike from the cell body
The long, thin part of the neuron along which nerve impulses travel
Can extend as long as several feet if they are conveying messages between toes and the spinal cord
terminals
The small branching structures at the tips of axons
Axons terminate in small branching structures aptly
myelin sheath
insulating layer that helps speed transmission of neural impulses
how do neurons share messages?
dendrites or cell body –> axon –> axon terminus –> other neurons
neurotransmitters
Induce chemical changes in receiving neurons
Transmit messages from one neuron to another
Changes cause axons to conduct the messages in electrical form
synapse
Connection point between neurons
Junction or small gap between a transmitting neuron and a receiving one
receptor site
A part of a dendrite on a receiving neuron that is structured to receive a neurotransmitter
Neurotransmitters to Remember
acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin
Acetylcholine
Control of muscle contractions and formation of memories
Reduced levels found in patients with Alzeeimer’s disease
dopamine
Regulation of muscle contractions and mental processes involving learning, memory, and emotions
Irregularities in dopamine transmission in the brain may be involved in the development of schizophrenia
Norepinephrine
Mental processes involved in learning and memory
Irregularities linked with mood disorders such as depression
serotonin
Regulation of mood states, satiety, and sleep
Irregularities are implicated in depression and eating disorders
Signs of a dysregulated nervous system:
Depression
Inappropriate behavior
Irritability
Exhaustion
Poor memory
Poor concentration or attention
Sleep issues
Anxiety and panic
PARTS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
central nervous system
peripheral nervous system
- somatic
- autonomic
- sympathetic
- parasympathetic
central nervous system,
Consists of the brain and the spinal cord
Forming the body’s master control unit responsible for controlling bodily functions and performing higher mental functions, such as sensation, perception, thinking, and problem solving
Peripheral nervous system
Made of up nerves that:
Receive and transmit sensory messages to the brain and spinal cord
Transmit messages from the brain or spinal cord to the muscles, causing them to contract, and to glands, causing them to secrete hormones
two branches:
- somatic and autonomic
somatic nervous system
Transmits messages from our sensory organs to the brain for processing, leading to the experience of visual, auditory, tactile, and other sensations
Autonomic nervous system
Emotional processing
Regulates the glands and involuntary processes such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and dilation of the pupils of the eyes, even when we are sleeping
2 branches:
- sympathetic and parasympathetic
Sympathetic nervous system
Involved in the processes that mobilize the body’s resources during physical exertion or responses to stress, such as when drawing energy from store reserves to prepare a person to deal with imposing threats or dangers
Parasympathetic nervous system
Replenish energy (ex: digestion)
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system interferes with the parasympathetic control of digestion activity
Frontal lobe
important for voluntary movement, expressive language and for managing higher level executive functions