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Physiological Psychology > Exam 1 Vocab > Flashcards

Exam 1 Vocab Flashcards

1
Q

Ablation

A

brain lesions; usually an accident in humans but can be surgically done on animals

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2
Q

Afferent

A

“admission,” bringing information into a structure

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3
Q

Aggregation

A

cells that are migrating align themselves with other cells and form structures

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4
Q

Alzheimer’s Disease

A

a disorder characterized by progressive brain deterioration and impairment of memory and other mental abilities; the most common form of dementia

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5
Q

Amygdala

A

small limbic system structure in each of the temporal lobes that seem to be involved in emotion. Also participates in memory formation, especially when negative emotions are involved (fear and anxiety).

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6
Q

Anterior cingulate cortex

A

a part of the limbic system important in attention, cognitive processing, possibly consciousness and emotion, including the emotion of pain

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7
Q

Anterior

A

front of head, towards the head

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8
Q

Autonomic nervous system

A

one of the two branches of the PNS; includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

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9
Q

Axon growth and synapse formation

A

4th phase of neurodevelopment- axons and dendrites begin to grow

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10
Q

Basal Ganglia

A

Buried deep in the Cerebral Cortex, controls motor functions

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11
Q

Bilateral

A

occurring in both sides of the brain

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12
Q

Biopsychology

A

the scientific study of the biology of behavior

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13
Q

Blood-brain barrier

A

limits passage between the bloodstream and the brain, provides constant protection from toxic substances and from neurotransmitters circulating in the blood.

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14
Q

Brain stem

A

set of structures ventral to the telencephalon that are necessary for basic functioning (breathing, heart rate, sleep, etc)

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15
Q

Bregma

A

a point located on the top of the skull often used as a reference point for surgery on the brain.

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16
Q

Caudal

A

set of structures ventral to the telencephalon that are necessary for basic functioning (breathing, heart rate, sleep, etc)

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17
Q

Cell death and the rearrangement of synapses

A

this is the 5th phase of neurodevelopment.

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18
Q

Central fissure/sulcus

A

groove that separates the frontal and parietal; 2 (like a headband).

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19
Q

Central nervous system (CNS)

A

the part of the nervous system made up of the brain and spinal cord.

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20
Q

Cerebellum

A

input from the first and second degree motor cortex and brain stem motor muscle, feedback from motor responses, involved in fine-tuning and motor learning

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21
Q

Cerebral cortex

A

outer surface, which is made up mostly of cell bodies of neurons. (gray matter) Divided into 2 hemispheres, with 4 lobes each

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22
Q

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A

Fluid in the ventricles and spinal canal that carries material to and from the CNS, also it cushions the brain

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23
Q

Chemoaffinity Hypothesis

A

describes synapse formation; states that a series of chemical signals attract or repel axons and that these signals are released by glial cells and other axons.

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24
Q

Cognitive neuroscience

A

studies human cognition (the way we think and solve problems) through an understanding of the brain and nervous system.

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25
Q

Computed Tomography (CAT/CT) scan

A

series of 2D x-rays used to see the structure of the brain; they are the quickest, least expensive, and most readily available; only found in horizontal view.

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26
Q

Contralateral

A

on the opposite side

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27
Q

Coronal sections

A

slicing through the brain from front to back (also frontal sections)

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28
Q

Corpus collosum

A

tract that connects the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex.

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29
Q

Correlational study

A

a study in which the researcher does not control an independent researcher does not control an independent variable, but determines whether two variables are related to each other

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30
Q

Cranial nerves

A

enter and leave the underside of the brain. (12 pairs)

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31
Q

Dermatomes

A

segment of body served by spinal nerve

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32
Q

Diencephalon

A

includes the thalamus (sensory nuclei, information relay) and the hypothalamus(motivated behaviors, controls hormone release)

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33
Q

Distal

A

far

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34
Q

Dorsal root

A

sensory neurons enter the spinal cord through this root of each spinal nerve.

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35
Q

Dorsal

A

toward the back side of the body

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36
Q

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A

High temporal resolution, a measure of the average electrical activity of the brain detected by sensors placed on the scalp. Measures the states of consciousness.

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37
Q

Efferent

A

‘exit’, carrying information away from a structure

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38
Q

Embryo

A

an organism in the early prenatal period, for humans, during the first 8 weeks. Second in the stages of development.

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39
Q

Event-related potentials

A

recordings of brain activity that is linked to the occurrence of an event; derived from scalp-recorded EEG

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40
Q

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

A

pre and/or postnatal growth deficiency, evidence of CNS dysfunction, and specific pattern of facial features.

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41
Q

Fetus

A

an organism after the initial period; in humans, after the first 8 weeks. Third in the stages of development.

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42
Q

Fissure

A

large groove or space between two gyri.

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43
Q

Forebrain

A

The large gray part of the brain; the outermost part

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44
Q

Frontal (Coronal) sections

A

Cutting the brain from front to back (like a loaf of bread)

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45
Q

Frontal Lobe

A

In the front, controls motor functions

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46
Q

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

A

Visualizes blood flow in the brain; great temporal resolution and good spatial resolution

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47
Q

Golgi stain

A

a staining method that randomly stains about 5% of neurons, which makes them stand out individually

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48
Q

Gray matter

A

cell bodies and dendrites, appear gray because they are not myelinated

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49
Q

group studies

A

patients with similar characteristics are studied as a group

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50
Q

Guidance molecules

A

a series of chemical signals attract or repel axons are released by glia or adjacent growing axons also provide signals.

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51
Q

Gyrus (Gyri)

A

Ridges or high points on the surface of the cerebral cortex

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52
Q

Hindbrain

A

The very back of the brain and where the spinal cord starts; contains the metencephalon and the myelencephalon

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53
Q

Hippocampus

A

sub-cortical structure of the hypothalamus important in the formation of new explicit memories. Damage can result in severe anterograde amnesia.

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54
Q

Homunculus

A

“little man”, representing the amount of cortex dedicated to sensory receptors (somatosensory homunculus) or to motor neurons (Motor Homunculus)

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55
Q

Horizontal sections

A

Cutting the brain parallel to the ground

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56
Q

Hydrocephalus

A

occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the cerebral ventricles

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57
Q

hypothalamus

A

a subcortical structure in the forebrain (part of diencephalon) which plays a major role in controlling emotion and motivated behaviors such as eating, drinking and sexual activity

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58
Q

Inferior

A

location below another structure.

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59
Q

Insula

A

The primary gustatory (taste) area deep inside the frontal lobe. Receives signals from taste buds.

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60
Q

Ipsilateral

A

on the same side

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61
Q

Knockout

A

genetic engineering technique in which a nonfunctioning gene mutation is inserted during the embryonic stage

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62
Q

Lateral fissure

A

separates the frontal and temporal lobes (one on each side).

63
Q

Lateral

A

Towards the outside

64
Q

Lesion

A

damage to neural tissue. This can be brought about surgically for research or therapeutic reasons, or it can result from trauma, disease or developmental error

65
Q

Limbic system

A

the “emotional circuit”. In charge of the “4 F’s” includes the hippocampus, mammillary bodies, amygdala, fornix, cingulated cortex, septum, and basal ganglia.

66
Q

Lobotomies

A

a surgical procedure that disconnected the prefrontal area from the rest of the brain.

67
Q

Longitudinal fissure

A

runs the length of the brain and separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

68
Q

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A

Produces a 3D image through multiple planes, and has high spatial resolution; and is used to visualize the brain’s structure

69
Q

magnetoencephalography

A

method related to EEG that relied on the recording of magnetic potentials at the scalp to index brain activity

70
Q

Medial

A

toward the middle

71
Q

Medulla

A

forms the lower part of the hindbrain; its nuclei are involved with control of essential life processes, such as cardiovascular activity and respiration.

72
Q

Meninges

A

3 thin covers on top of the brain

73
Q

Mesencephalon (midbrain)

A

Controls: audition, vision, analgesia (pain relief), sensory motor system

74
Q

Metencephalon

A

includes pons(help breathing and heartbeat) and cerebellum(coordination)

75
Q

Microencephaly

A

decrease in brain size

76
Q

Midbrain

A

Located inside of the forebrain, and contains the mesencephalon; contains structures that have secondary roles in vision, audition, and movement.

77
Q

Migration and Aggregation

A

3rd phase of neurodevelopment. Once the cells have been created they migrate to their final locations, but the migrating cells are immature, lacking axons and dendrites. The cells that are done migrating align themselves with others cells and form structures. The glia serves as a scaffolding to direct where the cells go.

78
Q

Motor system

A

used to respond to the sensations and perceptions of the sensory system

79
Q

multiple-case studies

A

each series of patients is treated as a single-case study

80
Q

Multipotent

A

after the development of the neural tube, these cells are able to develop into any type of mature nervous system cell.

81
Q

Myelencephalon (medulla)

A

heart rate and breathing, composed largely of tracts

82
Q

Myelin Stain

A

A research technique that labels myelin, then identifies neural pathways

83
Q

neural plate

A

a patch of tissue on the dorsal surface of the embryo that will become the nervous system

84
Q

Neural Proliferation

A

2nd phase of neurodevelopment where proliferation occurs, generation of new cells, neurogenesis, 3 swellings at the anterior end in humans will become the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.

85
Q

Neurodevelopment

A

the development of the NS of humans in the womb. It consists of 5 phases.

86
Q

Neurofibrillary tangles

A

abnormal accumulations of the protein tau that develops inside neurons and is associated with the death of brain cells in people with Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome

87
Q

Neurogenesis

A

the birth of new neurons

88
Q

Neuronal Death

A

the death of neurons. It occurs due to failure of the neurons competing for chemicals provided by targets.

89
Q

neuropsychological assessment

A

evaluation to determine the degree to which damage to the CNS may have compromised a person’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning

90
Q

Neuropsychology

A

Assists in diagnosing neural disorders, serves as a basis for counseling/caring, provides information on baseline function

91
Q

Neuroscience

A

the scientific study of the nervous system

92
Q

Neurotrophins

A

Promote growth and survival, guide axons, and stimulate synaptogenesis

93
Q

Nissl stain

A

a staining method that stains cell bodies

94
Q

Nucleus Accumbens

A

region of the brain that is involved with pleasure. It is stimulated by drug use.

95
Q

Occipital Lobe

A

The back of the head (The most posterior part of each cerebral hemisphere)

96
Q

Oligodendrocytes

A

myelin producing glia in the brain and spinal cord

97
Q

Parasympathetic nervous system

A

slows the activity of most organs to conserve energy, but it also activates digestion to renew energy. (“rest & digest” or “rest and restore”)

98
Q

Parietal Lobe

A

The top of the cerebral cortex (superior to the lateral fissure; between the central sulcus and occipital lobe); lobe of the cerebral cortex that is involved in sensory function.

99
Q

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

A

located outside of the skull and spine; serves to bring information into the CNS and carry signals out of the CNS.

100
Q

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

A

Measures brain activity by injecting radioactive dye into the body which labels active brain regions during a task. Poor temporal resolution and decent spatial resolution.

101
Q

Physiological

A

the biological functions of any organism

102
Q

Plaques

A

clumps of amyloid, a type of protein, that cluster among axon terminals and interfere with neural transmission (occur in Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome)

103
Q

Plasticity

A

the brains ability to change as a result of experiences due to changes in neural connectivity. Persistent throughout life.

104
Q

Pons

A

contains centers related to sleep and arousal, which are part of the reticular formation.

105
Q

Posterior

A

back of head, away from head, toward the rear

106
Q

Postnatal cerebral development

A

results from synaptogenesis, increased dendritic branches, and myelination. (NOT neurogenesis)

107
Q

Prefrontal cortex

A

involved in planning and organization, impulse control, adjusting behavior in response to rewards and punishments, and some forms of decision making.

108
Q

Preoptic area

A

area of the hypothalamus; sets body temp and contains separate warmth-sensitive and cold-sensitive cells

109
Q

Primary Motor Cortex

A

located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe. Major point of convergence of cortical sensorimotor signals, as well as a major point of departure of signals from cortex.

110
Q

Primary somatosensory cortex

A

in post central gyrus, input largely contralateral.

111
Q

Primary visual cortex

A

in occipital lobe, input from retinas of eyes via the thalamus

112
Q

Proliferation

A

generation of new cells; neurogensis.

113
Q

Proximal

A

Close

114
Q

Radial glial cells

A

specialized glial cells that provide a scaffold for migrating neurons to climb during development

115
Q

Sagittal section

A

cutting brain from one side to the other; a midsagittal section separated the left and right halves

116
Q

Sensation

A

The process of detecting the presence of stimuli

117
Q

sensitive period

A

specific time during development when the organism is particularly responsive to certain external stimuli

118
Q

single-case studies

A

single patient is studied intensively

119
Q

Skull

A

Bone outside of the brain

120
Q

Somatic nervous system

A

conveys sensory info into the central nervous system, conveys motor commands from CNS to muscles, 31 pairs of spinal nerves, 12 pairs of cranial nerves

121
Q

Somatosensory homunculus

A

Visual representation that more sensitive areas = more cortex.

122
Q

Somatosensory receptors

A

all located in the skin. Different types of receptors distributed throughout the body which respond to many different kinds of stimuli.

123
Q

Somatotopic

A

organized according to map of body surface

124
Q

Spatial Resolution

A

The accuracy with which one can measure where an event is occurring.

125
Q

Spinal cord

A

a finger-sized cable of neurons that carries commands from the brain to the muscles and organs and sensory information into the brain (4sections: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral).

126
Q

Spine

A

bones protecting the spinal cord

127
Q

split-brain procedure

A

surgical procedure in which the corpus callosum is severed, thereby splitting the brain in half

128
Q

Stem Cells

A

Neural plate cells that have an unlimited capacity for self-renewal and can be totipotent.

129
Q

Stereotaxic Atlas

A

Provides coordinates for locating brain structures

130
Q

Stereotaxic surgery

A

used to find positions within the brain

131
Q

Substantia Nigra

A

Caudate nucleus & putamen, both of basal ganglia & nucleus accumbens, damaged in Parkinson’s disease

132
Q

Sulcus (Sulci)

A

Small grooves on the surface of the cerebral cortex

133
Q

Superior

A

location above another structure.

134
Q

Sympathetic Nervous System

A

Activates the body in ways to deal with demands of emotional stress and physical emergencies. (Fight or Flight)

135
Q

Synaptogenesis

A

Formation of new synapses that depends on the presence of Glial cells (astrocyes), and chemical signals exchange between pre- and postsynaptic neurons is needed

136
Q

Targerted mutation

A

a genetic ‘ knockout’; inactivates a gene.

137
Q

Telencephalon (cerebral cortex)

A

2 hemispheres, limbic system (4f’s), basal ganglia (motor).

138
Q

Temporal Lobe

A

The side of the head (Temples) (Ventral to the lateral fissure); lobe of the cerebral cortex that is involved in audition and emotion.

139
Q

Temporal Resolution

A

In brain activity scans, how fast changes in activity are detected.

140
Q

thalamus

A

a forebrain structure which act as a relay point for all sensory information

141
Q

Totipotent

A

earliest cells that have the ability to become any type of body cell.

142
Q

Tract

A

bundle of axons in brain

143
Q

transcranial direct current stimulation

A

method to stimulate specific area of the brain using direct electrical currents

144
Q

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

A

magnetic fields are used to stimulate neurons by inducing electrical currents in brain structure. Used to test hypothesis about the causes of behavior.

145
Q

Unilateral

A

on one side of the brain

146
Q

Ventral root

A

axons of the motor neurons pass out of the spinal cord through these roots.

147
Q

Ventral

A

toward the stomach side

148
Q

Ventricles

A

cavities in the brain and the central canal in the spinal cord.

149
Q

Wada technique

A

procedure to determine which hemisphere is responsible for speech output

150
Q

White Matter

A

Inner part of the brain, composed of myelinated axons

151
Q

XX chromosomes

A

female; cause the individual to develop ovaries. Organs that would become male wither and are absorbed.

152
Q

XY Chromosomes

A

Male; causes the primitive gonads to develop into testes.

153
Q

Zygote

A

a fertilized egg. First in stages of development.

Physiological Psychology (1 decks)

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