Psychology Exam -- Chapter 3 Notes Flashcards
What is the role of the brain in psychology?
The brain is responsible for all our thinking, behavior, and emotions.
This includes cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and motor functions.
What are the two main parts of the nervous system?
Central nervous system (CNS) and Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
CNS includes the brain and spinal cord; PNS includes nerve cells not part of the CNS.
What are the three basic phases of neuronal communication?
- Reception
- Integration
- Transmission
These phases involve receiving signals, processing them, and passing them on to other neurons.
What type of neurons detects information?
Sensory neurons
They are responsible for receiving stimuli from the environment.
What are the main parts of a neuron?
- Dendrites
- Soma
- Axon
- Terminal buttons
- Synapse
- Myelin Sheath
- Nodes of Ranvier
These components play critical roles in the function and communication of neurons.
What is the action potential in neurons?
An action potential is when the inside of the neuron becomes more positively charged.
This process is essential for the transmission of signals along the neuron.
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical substances that transmit signals from one neuron to another.
They play a key role in communication within the nervous system.
What is the difference between agonists and antagonists in relation to neurotransmitters?
- Agonists enhance the actions of neurotransmitters
- Antagonists inhibit the actions of neurotransmitters
Both types of substances can significantly affect neural communication.
What is the function of the cerebral cortex?
The outer layer of brain tissue that forms the convoluted surface of the brain.
It is responsible for higher brain functions, including thought and action.
What divides the cerebral cortex into four lobes?
Lateral and central fissure
These fissures separate the cortex into distinct functional areas.
What is gray matter composed of?
Neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and axons
It is involved in processing and cognition.
What is the role of the hippocampus?
Associated with memory formation.
Damage to this area can affect the ability to form new memories.
What are the two main divisions of the peripheral nervous system?
- Somatic nervous system (SNS)
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
SNS controls voluntary movements; ANS regulates involuntary functions.
What is neural plasticity?
The brain’s ability to change after injury or due to experience.
Plasticity is crucial for recovery and adaptation throughout life.
What is the phantom limb phenomenon?
An intense sensation that an amputated body part still exists.
This phenomenon illustrates the brain’s role in body perception.
What did Gregor Mendel contribute to the field of genetics?
He is considered the originator of genetics through his work with pea plants.
His experiments laid the foundation for understanding inheritance.
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?
- Genotype: genetic constitution of an organism
- Phenotype: observable characteristics resulting from genetic and environmental influences
Both terms are essential in understanding heredity and traits.
What is behavioral genetics?
The study of how genes and environment interact to influence behavior.
This field examines the nature vs. nurture debate.
True or False: Twin studies compare behaviors between monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
True
These studies help to understand the genetic basis of behaviors.
Fill in the blank: The _______ regulates bodily functions.
hypothalamus
It plays a critical role in homeostasis and hormonal regulation.
What is the function of the basal ganglia?
Involved with planning movement.
Damage to this area can affect motor control and movement coordination.
