Psy intro Flashcards
Cerebrum
Executive functions of memory, emotions, willful control of skeletal muscles, thoughtful contemplation of goals, actions, insight, judgment. Decision making. Motivation. Comprehension, interpretation, & response to sensory input. People w brain issues can mess up sensory interpretation! When giving a drug all this input and processing will change
Amygdala
The amygdala (and hippocampus), are involved in emotions, learning, memory, and basic drives.
The limbic system
A group of structures that includes parts of the frontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and the brainstem
Basal ganglia
Controls of voluntary motor movements, procedural learning, routine behaviors or “habits” such as bruxism, eye movements, cognition and emotion
Hypothalamus
Hypothalamus regulates basic drives (hunger, thirst, sex) & is psychosomatic connection between higher brain functions of thought & emotion with internal organ function.
Brain stem
This area is comprised of a number of structures that make up the limbic system and are responsible for survival through a reward system of pleasure and memory coupled with motivational reinforcement or salience. Is a central core regulates internal organs, blood gases, blood pressure (unconscious processing).
Cerebellum
Located behind the brainstem, the is primarily involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle coordination and contraction and the maintenance of equilibrium. It plays a crucial role in coordinating contractions so that movement is accomplished in a smooth and directed manner.
Mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways
Other ascending pathways that seem to play a strong role in modulating the emotional value of sensory material. These pathways project to those areas of the cerebrum collectively known as the limbic system, which plays a crucial role in emotional status and psychological function.
Neuropeptides
Larger molecules that may bring about long-term changes in the postsynaptic cells by joining neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine or acetylcholine. The result of these changes is an alteration of basic cell functions or genetic expression and may lead to modifications of cell shape and responsiveness to stimuli.
Neuron’s three types of physiological actions
(1) respond to stimuli, (2) conduct electrical impulses, and (3) release chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitter
Chemical substance that functions as a neuromessenger. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal at the presynaptic neuron on excitation. This neurotransmitter then diffuses across a space, or synapse, to an adjacent postsynaptic neuron, where it attaches to receptors on the neuron’s surface. After use the neurotransmitter is either taken back into storage in the presynaptic cell or destroyed by waiting enzymes.
Neurotrophic factors
Are a family of proteins that are responsible for the growth and survival of developing neurons and the maintenance of mature neurons
Monoamines
Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin, Histamine.
Increased Monoamines
Mania, anxiety, schizophrenia.
Decreased Monoamines
Depression,
Amino acids, Glutamate.
GABA, Glu
Dopamine
(Monoamine). Involved in fine muscle movement. Involved in integration of emotions and thoughts putting the together. Involved in decision making Stimulates hypothalamus to release hormones (sex, thyroid, adrenal).
Dopamine changes SE
Increase: schizophrenia, mania (they think too much does this) Decrease: depression, Parkinson’s Disease.
Norepinephrine (NE) or Noradrenaline monoamine.
(Monoamine). Level in brain affects mood, attention & amp; arousal. Stimulates sympathetic branch of autonomic nervous system for “flight or fight” in response to stress.
Norepinephrine changes SE
Increase: mania, anxiety states, schizophrenia Decrease: depression
Serotonin
(Monoamine). Plays role in sleep regulation, hunger, mood states & pain reception. Hormonal activity. Plays a role in aggression & sexual behavior
Serotonin changes SE
Increase: anxiety states Decrease: depression.
Histamine
(Monoamine). Involved in alertness, inflammatory response. Stimulates gastric secretion (makes us hungry!)
Histamine changes SE
Decrease: depression, sedation, weight gain
