Psychology: Chapter 3

Question 1

nerve cell specialized for communication

Answer 1

Neuron

Question 2

portion of neuron that receives signals

Answer 2

Dendrite

Question 3

portion of neuron that sends signals

Answer 3

Axon

Question 4

spherical sac containing neurotransmitters

Answer 4

Synaptic Vesicle

Question 5

chemical messenger specialized for communication from neuron to neuron

Answer 5

Neurotransmitter

Question 6

space between two connecting neurons through which messages are transmitted chemically

Answer 6

Synapse

Question 7

a gap into which neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal

Answer 7

Synaptic Cleft

Question 8

cell in nervous system that plays a role in the formation of myelin and the blood-brains barrier, responds to injury, removes debris, and enhances learning and memory

Answer 8

Glial Cell

Question 9

glial cells wrapped around axons that act as insulators of the neurons signals

Answer 9

Myelin Sheath

Question 10

electrical charge difference(-60 millivolts) across the neuronal membrane, when the neuron is not being stimulated or inhibited

Answer 10

Resting Potential

Question 11

membrane potential necessary to trigger an action potential

Answer 11

Threshold

Question 12

electrical impulse that travels down the axon triggering the release of neurotransmitters

Answer 12

Action Potential

Question 13

time during which another action potential is impossible; limits maximal firing rate

Answer 13

Absolute Refractory Period

Question 14

location that uniquely recognizes a neurotransmitter

Answer 14

Receptor Site

Question 15

means of recycling neurotransmitters

Answer 15

Reuptake

Question 16

chemical in the brain that plays a specialized role in pain reduction

Answer 16

Endorphin

Question 17

ability of the nervous system to change

Answer 17

Plasticity

Question 18

a cell, often originating in embryos, having the capacity to differentiate into a more specialized cell

Answer 18

Stem Cell

Question 19

creation of new neurons in the adult brain

Answer 19

Neurogenisis

Question 20

part of nervous system containing brain and spinal cord that controls the mind and behavior

Answer 20

Central Nervous System(CNS)

Question 21

nerves in the body that extend outside the central nervous system(CNS)

Answer 21

Peripheral Nervous System

Question 22

pockets in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid(CSF), which provide the brain with nutrients and cushion against injury

Answer 22

Cerebral Ventricles

Question 23

forward part of the brain that allows advanced intellectual abilities

Answer 23

Forebrain (Cerebrum)

Question 24

two halves of the cerebral cortex, each of which serve distinct yet highly integrated functions

Answer 24

Cerebral Hemisphere

Question 25

large band of fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres

Answer 25

Corpus Callosum

Question 26

outermost part of forebrain, responsible for analyzing sensory processing and higher brain functions

Answer 26

Cerebral Cortex

Question 27

forward part of cerebral cortex responsible for motor function, language, memory and planning

Answer 27

Frontal Lobe

Question 28

part of frontal lobe responsible for body movement

Answer 28

Motor Cortex

Question 29

part of frontal lobe repsonsible for thinking, planning, and language

Answer 29

Prefrontal Cortex

Question 30

language area in the prefrontal cortex that helps to control speech production

Answer 30

Broca's area

Question 31

upper middle part of the cerebral cortex lying behind the frontal lobe that is specialized for touch and perception

Answer 31

Parietal Lobe

Question 32

lower part of cerebral cortex that plays roles in hearing, understanding language, and memory

Answer 32

Temporal Lobe

Question 33

part of the temporal lobe involved in understanding speech

Answer 33

Wernicke's area

Question 34

back part of cerebral cortex specialized for vision

Answer 34

Occipital Lobe

Question 35

regions of the cerebral cortex that initially process info. from the senses

Answer 35

Primary Sensory Cortex

Question 36

regions of the cerebral cortex that integrate simpler functions to perform more complex functions

Answer 36

Association Cortex

Question 37

structures in the forebrains that help to control movement

Answer 37

Basal Ganglia

Question 38

emotional center of brain that also plays roles in smell, motivation and memory

Answer 38

Limbic System

Question 39

gateway from the sense organs to the primary sensory cortex

Answer 39

Thalamus

Question 40

part of the brain responsible for maintaining a constant internal state

Answer 40

Hypothalamus

Question 41

part of limbic system that plays key roles in fear; excitement and arousal

Answer 41

Amygdala

Question 42

part of the brain that plays a role in spatial memory

Answer 42

Hippocampus

Question 43

part of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebral cortex that contains the midbrain, pons, and medulla

Answer 43

Brain Stem

Question 44

part of the brain stem that contributes to movement, tracking of visual stimuli, and reflexes triggered by sound

Answer 44

Midbrain

Question 45

brain area that plays a key role in arousal

Answer 45

Reticular Activating System(RAS)

Question 46

region below the midbrain that contains the cerebellum, pons, and medulla

Answer 46

Hindbrain

Question 47

brain structure responsible for our sense of balance

Answer 47

Cerebellum

Question 48

part of the brain stem that connects the cortex with the cerebellum

Answer 48

Pons

Question 49

part of the brain stem involved in basic functions, such as heartbeat and breathing

Answer 49

Medulla

Question 50

thick bundle of nerves that conveys signal between the brain and the body

Answer 50

Spinal Cord

Question 51

neuron that sends messages to other neurons nearby

Answer 51

Interneuron

Question 52

an automatic motor response to a sensory stimulus

Answer 52

Reflex

Question 53

tissue located on top of the kidneys that releases adrenaline and cortisol during states of emotional arousal

Answer 53

Adrenal Gland

Question 54

cognitive function that relies more on one side of the brain than the other

Answer 54

Lateralization

Question 55

slender thread inside a cell's nucleus that carries genes

Answer 55

Chromosome

Question 56

genetic material, composed of deoxyribonuscleic acid(DNA)

Answer 56

Gene

Question 57

our genetic makeup

Answer 57

Genotype

Question 58

percentage of the variability in a trait across individuals that is due to genes

Answer 58

Heritability

Question 59

our observable traits

Answer 59

Phenotype