Chapter Two: Introducing The Brain Flashcards
The study of the brain and the nervous system
Neuroscience
Branch of psychology that focuses on the brain and how it influences behavior
Ex: neuropsychology, physiological psychology, behavioral neuroscience
Biological psychology
Uses x-rays, creates multiple cross sectional images of the brain
CAT scan (computerized Axial Tomography)
Powerful magnets used by a magnetic field that passes through the brain. More detail than CAT scan.
Brain Structure
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Electrodes placed on the head. Record electrical activity from the brain.
EEG (electroencephalogram)
Radioactive substance and is tracked while the subject performs a task. Computer creates 3D image of brain activity.
PET (position emission tomography)
Powerful magnets to track changes in the blood O levels.
Brain structures and function
FMRI (Functional MRI)
Thalamus
Hypothalamus
Amygdala
Hippocampus
Limbic system
Pons
Cerebellum
Medulla
Hindbrain
Faster than regular nerves, can bypass them and go right to the spinal cord in case of a message that needs to be dealt with immediately. Bypasses brain, goes right to motor neurons
Reflex Arc
Process of absorbing nureotrasmitters back into the cell
Reuptake
Agonists
Boosts normal nuerotrasmiter activity.
More receptors= more messages sent
Antagonists
Block normal neurotransmitter activity
Communication system that uses glands to convey messages by releasing hormones into the bloodstream
Endocrine system
A band that runs parallel to the motor cortex.
Integrates sensory info from all over the body
Somatosensory cortex
Processes touch, temperature, pressure.
Parietal Lobe
Wrinkles outer layer of cerebrum. Higher level mental functions, decision making
Cerebral cortex
Located in all four lobes, integrate info from all over the brain. Allows us to learn, have abstract thoughts, and carry out complex behaviors
The association Areas
Chemical messengers that neurons use to communicate with the synapse
Neurotransmitters
Supporting cells, nourish neurons, protect neurons
Glial Cells
Type of Glial cell that supports communication
Astrocytes
Type of Glial cell that helps create Myelin Sheath (insulates axon and speeds transmission of messages)
Schwann Cells
Breaks between Myelin Segments. Makes impulses faster
Modes of Ranvier
End of axon, transmit messages to other neurons
Terminal buds
Gap between terminal bud and dendrite of another cell
Synapse
Tube like structure that extends from the cell body and sends messages to other neurons.
Axon
Fatty substances that insulates the axon and speed up the transmission of neural messages.
Damage to this leads to multiple sclerosis
Myelin Sheath
Neurons that receives info from our senses “warm warm, turn on AC” to the brain for further processing
Sensory Neurons (afferent Neurons)
Transmit info from the Central NS to muscles and glands
Motor Neurons (efferent Neurons)
Reside in the brain and spinal cord. Act as a bridge between the sensory and motor neurons
Interneurons (relay neurons)
