MCAT Psychology Behavioral Neuroscience Flashcards
Almond shaped structure deep withi nthe brain that orchestrates emotional experiences
Amygdala
Structures that coordinate smooth motion by inhibiting excess movement
Basal nuclei or ganglia
The region of the brain that coordinates and smoothes skeletal muscle activity
Cerebellum
The largest bundle of white matter (axons) connecting the two cerebral hemispheres
Corpus callosum
The portion of the forebrain that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus
Diencephalon
Low resolution functional technique that provides real-time data on brain wave synchronization at nodes spread through the scalp
Electroencephalography
Higher order thinking processes that include planning, organizing, and decision-making
Executive functions
Brain structure located in the medial temporal lobe, plays a key role in forming memories
Hippocampus
An increase in synaptic strength between two neurons following simultaneous firing
Long-term potentiation
Portion of the hindbrain that controls respiratory rate and blood pressure, and specialized digestive and respiratory functions
Medulla oblongata
The portion of the brain responsible for visual and auditory startle reflex
Midbrain
A process that refers to the malleability of the brain’s pathways and synapses based on behavior, the environment, and neural processes
Neural plasticity
Structure located in the brainstem that releases dopamine in response to many drugs, contributing to addictive behavior
Nucleus accumbens
A theory of information retrieval that involves a search process where specific nodes are activated, which leads to the activation of related nodes, and so on
Spreading activation theory
A relay station and major integrating area for sensory impulses
Thalamus
An area of the brain known to be involved in reflection, planning, emotional regulation, and the ability to understand the perspective of others
Prefrontal cortex
The __ is involved in primitive processes such as walking, urination, and sex organ functions
Spinal cord
The hindbrain includes the__,__,and__
medulla, pons, and cerebellum
The __ functions in relaying information between other areas of the brain, regulating vital autonomic functions such as BP, digestive functions and also the respiratory rhythmicity centers are found here
Medulla
The __ is the connection point between the brain stem and the cerebellum. The ___ controls some autonomic functions and coordinates movement; it plays a role in balance and antigravity posture
Pons
The __ is an integrating center where complex movements are coordinated
Cerebellum
Damage to the __results in poor hand-eye coordination and balance
Cerebellum
Both the __ and __ receive information from the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear, which monitors acceleration and position relative to gravity
Cerebellum and pons
The ___ is a relay for visual and auditory information and contains much of the reticular activating system (RAS) which is responsible for arousal and wakefulness
Reticular activating system
Medulla, pons, and midbrain constitute the__
brainstem
The forebrain includes the __ and the__
diencephalon and telencephalon
The __ includes the thalamus and hypothalamus
Diencephalon
The __ interacts directly with many parts of the brian, containing the center for controlling emotions and autonomic functions
Hypothalamus
All parts of the CNS up to and including the __ form a single symmetrical stalk, but the telencephlaon consists of two separate cerebral hemispheres
Diencephalon
The __ initiates all voluntary movement and is involved in complex reasoning skills and problem-solving
Frontal lobe
The __ is involved in general sensations (such as touch, temperature, pressure, vibrations, and guastation
Parietal lobe
The __ receives input from mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors
Parietal lobe
The __ processes auditory and olfactory sensation and is involved in short-term memory, language comprehension, and emotion
Temporal lobe
The __ and __ work together to process and coordinate movement initiated by the primary motor cortex
Basal nuclei
The ___ are inhibitory, preventing excessive movement
Basal nuclei
The __ is excitatory increasing movement
Cerebellum
The __ includs the amygdala, cingulate gyrus, and the hippocampus
Limbic system
This neurotransmitter is involved in reward, mood, pleasure, smooth motor movements, focus and attention
Dopamine
Shortage of this neurotransmitter can lead to depression, lethargy, and difficulty coordinating motion
Dopamine
This neurotransmitter is involved in mood, digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire
Serotonin
Shortage of this neurotransmitter can result in aggression, compulsive behavior, overeating, and depression
Serotonin
This neurotransmitter is involved in circadian rhythm, sleepiness, sleep initiation
Melatonin
__ is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain
GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid)
Shortage of this neurotransmitter can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Panic disorders
GABA
Shortage of this neurotransmitter can lead to dysfunction of GI tract and paralysis
Acetylcholine
__ is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in theb rain, learning, memory, long term potentiation
Glutamate
Serotonin pathways project from the ___
raphe nucleus
The __ is known as a natural pathway for feelings of reward and pleasure
Mesolimbic circuit
___ is the hormone involved in regulating energy, and inhibiting hunger
Leptin
The __ controls the physiological aspect of emotion, such as sweating and a racing heart
Hypothalamus
Decreased response to a stimulus over time
Habituation
Renewed response to a previously habituated stimulus
Dishabituation
Increased response to a stimulus over time
Sensitization
Decreased response to a previously sensitized stimulus over time
Desensitization
The deepest of non-REM sleep occurs during __
slow-wave sleep (Stages 3 &4)
The deepest of non-REM sleep during slow-wave sleep is characterized by __ waves which demonstrate the lowest frequency and highest amplitude observed during the sleep cycle
Delta waves
___ and __ are high-frequency, low-amplitude waves characteristic of waking states
Alpha and beta waves
__ have the highest frequency and are characteristic of awake and alert states
Beta waves
__have more regularity and are characteristic of awake and relaxed states
Alpha waves
__ are characteristic of sleep stage 1 “light sleep”
Theta waves
During stage 2 sleep theta waves still predominate like in stage 1 but are interrupted by occasional ___ and __
Sleep spindles (burst in frequency) K-complexes (increases in wavelength)
___is memory for facts and evetns that can be consciously or intentionally recalled, including semantic memory and episodic memory
Explicit/Declarative memory
__ includes knowledge about facts
Semantic memory
__ includes knowledge about personal experiences
Episodic memory
___ is memory for things that can’t be conciously recalled such as skills, tasks, emotions, and reflexes
Implicit/Nondeclarative memory
___ suggests that when a node in the semantic network is activated, the nodes directly connected to that note are then activated as well (priming)
Spreading activation theory
