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Psych: Chapter 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What Greek philosopher correctly located the mind in the spherical head?

A

Plato

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2
Q

Who was Plato’s student?

A

Aristotle

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3
Q

What did Aristotle believe about the mind?

A

He believed it was in the heart, which pumps warmth and vitality to the body.

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4
Q

Describe: Phrenology

A

In the early 1800s German physician Franz Gall proposed that phrenology, studying the bumps on the skull, could reveal a person’s mental abilities and character traits. Although its initial popularity faded, phrenology succeeded in focusing attention on the localization of function- the idea that carious brain regions have particular functions.

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5
Q

Define: Biopsychosocial system

A

To understand our behaviour, we need to study how these biological, psychological and social systems work and interact.

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6
Q

Define: Biological perspective

A

Concerned with the links between biology and behaviour. Includes psychologists working in neuroscience, behavior genetics, and evolutionary psychology.

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7
Q

Define: Neuron

A

A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system.

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8
Q

Define: Dendrites

A

A neuron’s bushy, branching extensions that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.

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9
Q

Define: Axon

A

The Neuron extention that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands.

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10
Q

Define: Myelin sheath

A

A fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of some neuron; enables vastly greater transmission speed as neural impulses hop from one node to the next.

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11
Q

What causes Action Potential?

A

Neurons transmit messages when stimulated by signals from our senses or when triggered by chemical signals from neighbouring neurons. In response, a neuron fires an impulse, called the Action Potential. It is a brief electrical charge that travels down its axon.

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12
Q

Define: Resting potential

A

The fluid outside an axon’s membrane has mostly positively charged ions; a resting axon’s fluid interior has mostly negatively charged ions. This positive-outside/negative-inside state is called the Resting potential.

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13
Q

What does selectively permeable mean in regards to the axon’s surface?

A

Like a tightly guarded facility, the axon’s surface is very selective about what it allows through its gates. We say the axon’s surface is selectively permeable.

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14
Q

Neurons can signal either:

A

Excitatory, inhibitory, or all-or-none response.

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15
Q

Define: Synapse

A

The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neurone. The tiny gap at this juntion is called the synaptic gap or synaptic cleft.

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16
Q

Most signals from Neurons are _______ Like pushing a neuron’s accelerator.

A

excitatory

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17
Q

Some signals from Neurons are _______ Like pushing it’s brake.

A

Inhibitory.

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18
Q

If the excitatory signals minus the inhibitory signals exceed a minimum intensity, or threshold, the combined signals trigger an __________

A

Action Potential. Think of it this way: If the excitatory party animals outvote the inhibitory party poopers, the party’s on!

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19
Q

How does our nervous system allow us to experience the difference between a slap and a tap on the back?

A

Stronger stimuli ( the slap) cause more neurons to fire and to fire more frequently than happens with weaker stimuli (the tap)

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20
Q

What are the steps for neuron communication?

A

The dendrites receive messages from other cells, the message travels along the axon to the terminal branches of axon. Here the terminal branches of axon are almost toughing another neuron, but they have a small gap between them called the Synaptic gap. The neurotransmitters cross the synaptic gap to the receipt sites on the receiving neuron. This allows electrically charged atoms to enter the receiving neurone and excite or inhibit a new action potential.

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21
Q

What is the term for when the sending neurone normally absorbs excess neurotransmitter molecules.

A

Reuptake.

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22
Q

Define: Neurotransmitters

A

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons. When released by the sending neuron, neurotransmitters travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron, thereby influencing whether that neuron will generate a neural impulse.

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23
Q

Define: Acetylcholine (ACh)

A

Function: Acetylcholine enables muscle action, learning and memory.
Examples of Malfunction: With Alzheimer’s disease, ACh-producing neurons deteriorate.

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24
Q

Define: Dopamine

A

Function: Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion.
Examples of Malfunction: Oversupply linked to Schizophrenia. Undersupply linked to tremors and decreased mobility in Parkinson’s disease.

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25
Q

Define: Serotonin

A

Function: Affects mood, hunger, sleep and arousal.

Examples of Malfunction: Undersupply linked to depression. Some antidepressant drugs raise serotonin levels.

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26
Q

Define: Norepinephrine

A

Function: Helps control alertness and arousal

Examples of Malfunction: Undersupply can depress mood.

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27
Q

Define: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

A

Function: A major inhibitory neurotransmitter

Examples of malfunction: Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia.

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28
Q

Define: Glutamate

A

Function: A major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in memory.
Examples of Malfunction: Oversupply can overstimulate the brain, producing migraines or seizures (which is why some people avoid MSG, monosodium glutamate, in food).

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29
Q

Define: Endorphins

A

“Morphine within” - natural, opiatelike neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure.

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30
Q

Where do drugs and other chemicals affect brain chemistry?

A

The synapse, often by either exiting or inhibiting neuron’s firing.

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31
Q

Define: Agonist

A

Agonist molecules may be similar enough to a neurotransmitter to bind to its receptor and mimic its effects. Some opiate drugs are agonists and produce a temporary “high” by amplifying normal sensations of arousal or pleasure.

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32
Q

Define: Antagonists

A

Antagonists also bind to receptors but their effect is instead to block a neurotransmitter’s functioning.

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33
Q

A fact about Botulin…

A

Botulin, a poison that can form in improperly canned food, causes paralysis by blocking Acetylcholine (ACh) release. (Small injections of botulin-Botox-smooth wrinkles by paralyzing the underlying facial muscles.) These antagonists are enough like the natural neurotransmitter to occupy its receptor site and block its effect, but are not similar enough to stimulate the receptor.

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34
Q

Define: Nervous System

A

The nervous system is the body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems. If the nervous system’s communication delivers messages with the speed of a text message, the endocrine system is more like sending a letter.

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35
Q

Define: Central Nervous System (CNS)

A

The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. *The body’s decision maker.

36
Q

Define: Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

A

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is responsible for gathering information and for transmitting CNS decisions to other body parts. It consists of the sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body. (Think peripheral… Peripheral vision= outer edges)

37
Q

Define: Nerves

A

Nerves are bundled axons that form neural “cables” connecting the central nervous system (CNS) with muscles, glands, and sense organs.

38
Q

What are the 3 types of Neurons?

A

Sensory neurons
Motor neurons
Interneurons

39
Q

Define: Sensory Neurons

A

Sensory neurons are neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord. ( Think sensory/touch… fingers look like dendrites, which receive information, brain needs to figure out what it is)

40
Q

Define: Motor Neurons

A

Motor neurons are neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands. ( Think motor/talk/muscles… the brain needs to think what to say before words leave mouth, or brain needs to tell body to move hand out of fire, so outgoing information)

41
Q

Define: Interneurons

A

Interneurons are neurone within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor outputs. (Think inter… internally)

42
Q

What does the Peripheral Nervous System consist of?

A

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and Somatic Nervous System (SNS).

43
Q

What does the Autonomic Nervous System control?

A

Our Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) controls our glands and the muscles of our internal organs, influencing such functions as glandular activity, heartbeat, and digestion. Like an automatic pilot, this system may be consciously overridden, but usually operates on its own… INVOLUNTARY- self regulated actions of internal organs and glands. It can be further broken down into Sympathetic and Parasympathetic.

44
Q

Describe the difference between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic.

A

They both come from the Autonomic Nervous System. Sympathetic Nervous System arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations. The Parasympathetic Nervous System calms the body, conserving its energy.

45
Q

List all the effects of the Sympathetic Nervous system.

A 
AROUSING..
Dilates pupils
Accelerates heartbeat
Inhibits digestion
Stimulates glucose release by liver
Stimulates secretion of epinephrine, norepinephrine
Relaxes bladder
Stimulates ejaculation in male.
Raise your blood pressure, slow your digestion, raise your blood sugar, and cool you with perspiration, making you alert and ready for action.
46
Q

List all the effects of the Parasympathetic Nervous system.

A 
Calming (Think Para...paralyze)
Contracts pupils
Slows heartbeat
Stimulates digestion
Stimulates gallbladder
Contrats bladder
Allows blood to flow to sex organs.
47
Q

Define: Reflex

A

A simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee jerk response.

48
Q

Define: Endocrine System

A

The Endocrine System is the body’s “slow” chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. If the nervous system’s communication delivers messages with the speed of a text message, the endocrine system is more like sending a letter.

49
Q

Define: Hormone

A

Hormones are chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues. When hormones act on the brain, they influence our interest in sex, food, and aggression. Some hormones are chemically identical to neurotransmitters (the chemical messengers that diffuse across a synapse and excite or inhibit an adjacent neurone).

50
Q

Where are the Adrenal Glands found? What are they?

A

Adrenal glands are found on top of the kidneys. They are a pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that help arouse the body in time of stress.

51
Q

What does the Hypothalamus control?

A

The hypothalamus controls the Pituitary Gland.

52
Q

What does the Pituitary Gland do?

A

The pituitary gland is the endocrine system’s most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands. It is a pea-sized structure located in the core of the brain. The pituitary releases certain hormones. One is a growth hormone that stimulates physical development. Another, oxytocin, enables contractions associated with birthing, milk flow during nursing, and orgasm. The Pituitary secretions also influence the release of hormones by other endocrine glands. That is why it is called the “Master Gland”

53
Q

What is all included in the Endocrine System?

A

Hypothalamus (brain region controlling the pituitary gland.
Pituitary Gland (Secretes many different hormones, some of which affect other glands)
Thyroid Gland (Affects metabolism)
Parathyroids (Help regulate the level of calcium in the blood)
Adrenal Glands (Inner part helps trigger the “fight or flight” response)
Pancreas (Regulates the level of sugar in the blood)
Testis (Secretes male sex hormones)
Ovary (Secretes female sex hormones)

54
Q

Why is the Pituitary Gland called the Master Gland?

A

Responding to signals from the hypothalamus, the pituitary releases hormones that trigger other endocrine glands to secrete hormones that in turn influence brain and behaviour.

55
Q

Define: Lesion

A

Lesion is a tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally caused destruction of the brain tissue.

56
Q

Define: Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A

An electroencephalogram is an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

57
Q

Define: Positron emission tomography scan (PET)

A

Is a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.

58
Q

Define: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A

MRI is a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy.

59
Q

Define: fMRI (funcional MRI)

A

Functional MRI is a technique for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function. (THINK f=function)

60
Q

Define: Brainstem

A

The brainstem is the oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions.
*Includes: Medulla and Pons

61
Q

Define: Medulla

A

The medulla is the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.

62
Q

Define: The Pons

A

Just above the medulla sits the pons, which helps coordinate movements.

63
Q

Define: Thalamus

A

The brain’s sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla. The thalamus is a pair of egg-shaped structures. The thalamus RECEIVES information from all the senses Except smell and routes it to the higher brain regions that deal with seeing, hearing, tasting, and touching.
Think of the Thalamus as the hub, through which sensory information gets directed.

64
Q

Define: Reticular formation

A

The Reticular Formation is a nerve network that travels through the brainstem and plays an important role in controlling arousal. Located between the ears

65
Q

Define: Cerebellum

A

The Cerebellum is also known as “little brain” at the rear of the brain stem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance. The Cerebellum enables nonverbal learning and memory. It also helps us judge time, modulate our emotions, and discriminate sounds and textures. And it coordinates voluntary movement. If you injure your cerebellum, you would have difficulty walking, keeping your balance, or shaking hands. Your movements would be jerky and exaggerated.

66
Q

Define: The Limbic System

A

The limbic system is a neural system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives. Limbic means Border.

67
Q

What are the cerebral hemispheres?

A

The cerebral hemispheres are the two halves of the brain

68
Q

What does the hippocampus do?

A

The hippocampus processes conscious memories. Animals or humans who lose their hippocampus to surgery or injury also lose their ability to form new memories of facts and events.

69
Q

Define: Amygdala

A

The Amygdala are two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion. It is also linked to aggression and fear. (Think of Amy, super emotional from one extreme to the next)

70
Q

Define: Hypothalamus

A

Just below (hypo) the thalamus is the Hypothalamus. An important link in the command chain governing bodily maintenance. Some neural clusters in the hypothalamus influence hunger; others regulate thirst, body temperature and sexual behaviour. Together they help maintain a steady internal state. It helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland and is linked to emotion and reward.

71
Q

What is the Corpus Callosum?

A

Axon fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres. Think of Joe who had this removed, and he ended up having two separate brains.

72
Q

What are the three key structures of the limbic system, and what functions do they serve?

A

1) The amygdala are involved in aggression and fear responses. 2) The hypothalamus is involved in bodily maintenance, pleasurable rewards, and control of the hormonal systems. 3) The hippocampus processes memory.

73
Q

Define: Cerebral Cortex

A

The cerebral cortex is the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing centre. Covering the two hemispheres, like bark on a tree, is the cerebral cortex. It is your brain’s thinking crown, your body’s ultimate control and information-processing centre.

74
Q

Define: Glial Cells

A

Glial Cells are cells in the nervous system that support, nourish and protect neurone; they may also play a role in learning and thinking. Also known as ‘Glue Cells’. Neurons are like queen bees; on their oown they cannot feed or sheathe themselves. Glial Cells are worker bees. They provide nutrients and insulating myelin, guide neural connections, and mop up ions and neurotransmitters.

75
Q

What are the 4 lobes of the cortex?

A

Frontal lobes
Parietal lobes
Occipital lobes
Temporal lobes

76
Q

Where are each of the 4 lobes of the cortex found?

A

Frontal lobes=front of brain, behind forehead
Parietal lobes=at the top and to the rear
Occipital lobes=at the back of your head
Temporal lobes=just above your ears

77
Q

Define: Frontal Lobes

A

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved with speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgements.

78
Q

Define: Parietal Lobes

A

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position.

79
Q

Define: Occipital Lobes

A

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields.

80
Q

Define: Temporal Lobes

A

portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear.

81
Q

Define: Motor Cortex

A

An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements.

82
Q

Define: Sensory Cortex

A

Area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.

83
Q

Define: Association Areas

A

Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.

84
Q

Define: Plasticity

A

The brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.

85
Q

Define: Neurogenesis

A

The formation of new neurons.

86
Q

Define: Corpus Callosum

A

The large band of neural fivers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them.

87
Q

Define: Split Brain

A

A condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brain’s two hemispheres by cutting the fibbers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) connecting them.

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