Set 2: Neuroscience Flashcards
Brain
Heart
In early Psychology Plato guessed right that the mind was located in the Brain, while Aristotle believed the mind was located in the Heart.
Phrenology
An early technique known as Phrenology suggested that bumps on your skull represented different mental abilities. We know this was wrong, but it was correct in that different mental processes were in different parts of the Brain.
There is a bump right here on your head so you are smart.
Neurons
Our bodies communicate through billions of interconnected cells known as Neurons.
Cell body (Soma)
The Cell Body, or Soma, is the life support center of the neuron.
Dendrites
The Dendrites receive messages from the other neurons.
Axon
Axon Terminal (alts)
The Axon sends the messages out of a neuron to another neuron through its Axon Terminal.
Myelin Sheath
A Myelin Sheath is a fatty substance that covers some axons and makes for a faster transmission of information.
Multiple Sclerois
When myelin degenerates, it can cause a condition called Multiple Sclerois is which the brain and muscles slow. This leads to diminished muscle control, and sometimes impaired cognatation.
Glial Cells
Glial Cells are cells in the Nervous System that support, nourish, and protect neurons. They can also help with learning, thinking, and memory.
Resting Actions
When a neuron is not firing it is at its Resting Actions.
Action Potential
When a neuron is firing it is at its Action Potential.
How do neurons fire?
An axon is full of Negatively charged ions (It is polarized). During Depolarization positive ions are allowed in making it more prone to firing an action potential! If enough positive ions are allowed in the neuron passes its Thresold. This is what causes the neuron to fire. When negative ions enter a neuron is known as Hyperpolarization, and thus is less likely to fire.
All-or-None Response
A neuron either fires or it doesn’t. If uhe surpasses the threshold, it will fire with the same intensity everytime is known as All or None Response.
Refractory Periods
The Refractory Periods refers to the time it takes for a neuron to recharge to be able to fire once again once it has already fired.
Ex. Waiting for the toilet bowl to fill up with water when you flush it again, or pistons firing in a car.
Synapse
The gap between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another is called the Synapse of a cleft.
Neurotransmitters
When a neuron fires, it releases Nero transmitters which are picked up by another neurons dendrites’
Reuptake
When neurotransmitters are reabsorbed back into the sending neuron, it is known as Reuptake.
Myathenia Gravis
Myathenia Gravis is a condition in which the body mistakenly blocks ACH. It can cause droopy eyes, make It hard to swallow, and difficult to walk.
What is it about Neurotransmitters and Receptors?
Neurotransmitters and Receptors fit together like a lock and a key.
What is the difference between Agonists and Antagonists?
Antagonists can block neurotransmitters from firing, while Agonists are drugs that can enable neurotransmitters to fire.
Nervous System
The Nervous System refers to all the nerve cells. It is very fast.
The Central Nervous System (CNS):
Neurons in the brain/spinal cord.
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
Neurons everywhere besides the brain/spinal cord.
The Peripheral Nervous system is split into:
Somatic and Autonomic
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Parasympathetic and Sympathetic
Somatic Nervous System
The Somatic Nervous system works when you try to move your muscles.
Autonomic Nervous System
The Autonomic Nervous System works with your organs that mostly work automatically.
Difference between the Sympathetic
Parasympathetic Nervous Systems.
The Autonomic Nervous System can also be broken down into two parts. The Sympathetic Nervous System automatically arouses the body when it needs it, while the Parasympathetic Nervous System calms the body automatically when it needs it.
Sensory vs Motor vs Interneurons
Sensory Neurons carry information to the Central Nervous System. Motor Neurons carry information away from the Central Nervous System to the muscles and glands. Interneurons connect there two types of neurons.
Neutral Networks
Neural Networks are interconnected neurons in the brain.
What is a slower system that works with the endocrine system?
A slower system that works with the nervous system is the Endocrine system. It releases Hormones into the Blood that affects the brain and the body.
Types of Neurotransmitters:
Acetylcholine (ACH)
Responsible for muscle movement and memory.
Lack: Alzimers disease; lack of muscle movement.
Types of Neurotransmitters:
Dopamine
Learning, attention, short term happiness.
Excess: Schizophrenia
Types of Neurotransmitters:
Serotonin
Long term happiness (generally)
Lack: Depression
Types of Neurotransmitters:
Norepinephrine/Epinephrine
Alertness/Arousal (Quick burst of energy–adrenaline)
Lack: Depression
Types of Neurotransmitters:
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
Inhibitory (slows body down)
Lack: Seizures, Tremors, Insomnia
Types of Neurotransmitters:
Glutamate
Excitatory (speeds body up)–slowly increasing energy, not big burst adrenaline
Excess: Migraines, Seizures
Types of Neurotransmitters:
Endophrins
Pain/Pleasure
Lack: Pain
Types of Neurotransmitters:
Substance P
Pain perception and immune response
Lack: Reduce pain sensitivity
Examples of glands and their functions:
Pituitary Gland
Is called the master gland because it controls all the other glands. Located in the Brain, it controls growth. Releases Oxytocin which aids in social bonding, regulates orgasm, and facilitates labor contractions and milk production in expecting mothers.
Examples of glands and their functions:
Thyroid/Parathyroid Glands
Located in the throat area, regulates metabolism and controls the amount of calcium in the blood.
Examples of glands and their functions:
Adrenal Glands
Located in the kidneys, releases
norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) which triggers “fight or flight”.
Examples of glands and their functions:
Pancreas
Regulates blood sugar (hunger)
Examples of glands and their functions:
Gonads
Located in/around reproductive organs. Help in development and regulate and release testosterone and estrogen.
The Brain:
Clinical Observation
Humans brains are already damaged (accident, disease) are studies to see what they can’t do.
The Brain:
Lesion
Destroy part of an animal or humans brains due to accident, illness, or experimentation to see what happens.
The Brian:
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Metal electrodes strapped to the skull to see what parts of the brain are active.
The Brain:
Magnetoencephalogram (MEG)
Take patients into a special room the cancel magnetic fields. Measures magnetic field created by the brain
The Brain:
PET Scam
Radioactive glucose (sugar) is used to see what parts of the brain are active.
The Brain:
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Uses powerful magnets to get a detailed picture of the brain.
The Brain:
CT (Computed Tomography)
Uses X-ray to get a detailed picture of the brain.
The Brain:
FMRI
This procedure shows both structure and function. It is basically a MRI that can also show brain activity. The only reason it is not used that often is because it is really expensive.
Brainstem
BrainstemThe Brainstem is the oldest part of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells entering the skull. It is responsible for automatic functions that keep us alive.
Medulla
The Medulla is the base of the brainstem and controls your heartbeat and breathing.
Reticular Formation
The Recticular Formation is a nerve network in the brainstem that deals primarily with Arousal (awake and alert).
Thalamus
The Thalamus receiver information from the sense (except smell) and routes it to the brain to figure out what is going on (sensory switchboard).
Cerebellum
The Cerebellum “little brain”, is attached to the rear of the brainstem–it helps with coordination and balance.
Pons
The Pons coordinates movements and helps control sleep. It is the bridge from the lower brain functions to the higher brain functions.
Limbic System
The doughnut-shaped system of neural structures at the border of the brainstem and cerebrum that deals with things such as: fear, aggression, and food and sex drives is known as the Limbic System.
Amygdola
The Amygdola is linked to the emotion of fear, aggression, and anger.
Hippocampus
A neural center in the limbic system that processes explicit memories (Memory).
Hypothalamus
The Hypothalamus is sometimes known as the Reward Center. It is involved with; eating, drinking, body temperature, emotions, and regulating sexual behavior. It also works closely with the pituitary gland secreting hormones into the body. (Animals also have their
hypothalamus stimulated will go through extreme pain and difficult to continue having that sensation.).
Cerebral Cortex
The neural cells that cover the cerebral hemispheres and are the body’s ultimate control and information processing center is known as Cerebral Cortex.
Four lobes of the brain:
Frontol
Located at the forehead.
Motor cortex (muscle movement) and personality.
Four lobes of the brain:
Parietal
Located at the top to the rear of the head.
Somatosensory cortex (sense of touch), math, spatial reasoning
Four lobes of the brain:
Occipal
Located at the back of the head.
Visual function (vision)
Four lobes of the brain:
Temporal
Located at the side of the head.
Auditory function and facial recognition.
Motor
The Motor cortex located at rear of the frontal lobe controls voluntary movements.
Somatosensory
The Somatosensory cortex located in the parietal lobe receives information from skin surface and senses.
Visual
The Visual function is located in the occipital lobe.
Auditory
The Auditory function is located in the temporal lobe.
Association Areas
Areas in the brain that we don’t know their exact function are called Association areas. They aid in higher level functioning.
Hindbrain
Old survival structures (brainstem)
Midbrain
Connects old areas to the new areas.
Forebrain
Complex behavior (central cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus)
Aphasia
The impairment of language is known as Aphasia.
Broca’s area
The area that deals with the production of speech is known as Broca’s area.
Wernicke’s area
The area that deals with the use of meaningful language is known as Wernicke’s area.
Angular Gyrus
The Angular Gyrus helps us comprehend written words (read).
Neuroplasticity
When we mention the brain’s Neuroplasticity, we are referring to its ability to heal or modify itself after an injury or experience.
Neurogenesis
Neurogenesis refers to a formation of new Neurons due to experience or healing after injury (only happens when your very young).
Brain Hemispheres Specialization
Our Brian is divided into two hemispheres:
Right controls visual spatial, artistic ability, and the left side of the body
Left controls langue, right side of the body, and is the dominant hemisphere (for other things too)
Split Brain Patient Studies
Who?
Some people who suffer from seizures can have their corpus callosum (string that connects the two hemispheres) removed, typically gets rid of seizures.
Years ago Roger Sperry and Micheal Gazzaniga did research on these patients. With the corpus callosum removed, objects presented in the right visual field can be named, when a object is presented on the left visual field, it can’t be named.
Left-Handed vs. Right-Handed people
Studies show genes play a link in what hand is your dominant.
Being left handed is difficult on a right handed world. We see life expectancy for left handed people to be less then for right handed people.
The study of Consciousness in psychology
The study of Consciousness in psychology was discontinued for a time because Behaviorists argued that it could not be critically analyzed. In recent years, however the study of Consciousness has become a large part of psychology.
Consciousness
Consciousness is defined as an awareness of ourselves and our environment.
Cognitive Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of the brains connection with cognition (thinking).
Conscious vs Unconscious states
Your Unconscious mind processes several things at one time (heart beat, breathing), while your Conscious mind typically can only process things one at a time. (Things you chose to do or think about). This ability of your unconscious mind to do more than one thing at a time is called Dual Processing.
Blindsight
Blindsight is a condition in which a person can respond to visual stimulus without actually consciously experiencing it.
Biological Clocks
Periodic Physiological Fluctuations are known as Biological Clocks. These control your Biological Rhythms.
List both Biological Rythems and their purpose.
Circadian Rhythms: (24 hour cycle, 25 in perfect conditions)-sleep wakefulness cycles.
Sleep cycle (90 minutes)-cycle through various stages of sleep.
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus is an area of the hypothalamus that controls your circadian rhythm. In response to blue light, it adjusts melatonin levels affecting sleepiness.
List the 5 stages of sleep in order
NREM Stage 1–> NREM Stage 2 –> NREM Stage 3 –> NREM Stage 2 –> REM
What happens during REM?
Rapid eye movement, paradoxical sleep (muscles temporarily paralyzed)
What are 5 problems that will occur when you are deprived in sleep?
- Fatigue and subsequent death*
- Impaired Concentration
- Emotional irritability
- Depressed immune system
- Greater vulnerability to illnesses
6 reasons why we sleep?
- Sleep protected our ancestors from harm, passed down to us.
- Sleep is beneficial to our brains.
- Sleep is good for memory.
- Sleep helps with growth (pituitary gland fires during sleep).
- Sleep helps creativity.
- Sleep conserves energy for you to use during the day.
Insomnia
Persistent problems falling or staying asleep is known as Insomnia.
Somnambulism
The scientific name for sleepwalking is Somnambulism.
Narcolepsy
An overpowering urge to fall asleep that may occur while talking or standing up known as Narcolepsy.
Sleep Apnea
Failure to breathe while asleep is known as Sleep Apnea.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder occurs when normally REM paralysis does not occur. It can cause: twitching, talking, kicking, punching, or the sleep try to reenact their dreams.
Nightmares
Nightmares: Frightening dreams that wake a sleeper from REM.
Night terrors
Night terrors: Sudden arousal from sleep with intense fear accompanied by physiological reactions (e.g., rapid heart rate, perspiration) that occur during Stage 3.
What are 5 reasons we DREAM?
Freud’s Theory:
Manifest content = actual dream; latent content = what the dream means. Show unconscious desired, no longer believed by most people.
What are 5 reasons we DREAM?
Information Processing Theory/ Consolidation Theory:
Dreams help store memories
What are 5 reasons we DREAM?
Physiological Function Theory:
Dreams keep your brain stimulated.
What are 5 reasons we DREAM?
Activation-Synthesis Theory:
Our dreams are just random brain firing that we tie into a cohesive story.
VERY IMPORTANT
What are 5 reasons we DREAM?
Cognitive Development Theory:
We dream to improve thinking.
REM Rebound
When someone is deprived of REM Sleep their future will contain more REM than normal, this is known as REM Rebound.
Psychoactive Drugs
Psychoactive Drugs are chemical substances that alter perceptions and mood, and thus effect consciousness.
Substance Use Drugs
Substance Use Drugs is a psychological disorder is which a person continually uses a substance even though it is causing life disruption.
Dependence and Addiction:
Tolerance
Continued use of psychoactive drug produces tolerance, which means takes more and more for the drug to get the same effect.
Dependence and Addiction:
Withdrawl:
Undesirable cognitive effects after stopping a drug that someone is addicted to.
Dependence and Addiction:
Physical Dependance:
Body feels hurt when not on that drug.
Dependence and Addiction:
Psychological Dependence:
Mind craves that drug.
Dependence and Addiction:
Addiction:
Is craving for something that you is bad/harmful.
What does alcohol do?
Is this a Stimulant or Depressant?
Alcohol affects motor skills, judgment and memory. It increases aggressiveness and reduces self awareness.
Depressant
What are Barbiturates?
Are these a Stimulant or Depressant?
Barbiturates: Drugs that Depress the activity of the central nervous system (Brain and Spinal Cord) , reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgment. Nembutal, Seconal, and Amytal are some examples. (Sometimes used as sleeping pill, tranqualizers or sedative, often used as anesthesia).
Depressant
What are Opiates?
Are these a Stimulant or Depressant?
Opiates: Opium and its derivatives (morphine, heroin, oxycontin, and fentanyl) depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety. They are highly addictive.
Depressant
What does caffeine do?
Is this a Stimulant or Depressant?
It increases heart and breathing rates ad other autonomic functions to provide energy.
Stimulant
What are some examples of Nicotine?
Is this a Stimulant or Depressant?
Nicotine-some examples include cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, ad e cigarettes.
Stimulant
What is Cocaine?
Is this a Stimulant or Depressant?
Cocaine: Crack, an altered form of cocaine offers a immediate high followed by a quicker crash.
Stimulant
What is Ecstasy?
Is this a Stimulant or Depressant?
Ecstasy: Ecstasy (MDMA) mild hallucinogen-it proposes a very high risk of dehydration. It also produces a euphoric high and can damage serotonin-producing neurons, which results in a permanent deflation of mood and impairment of memory.
Stimulant
Example of Amphetamines
Is this a Stimulant or Depressant?
Amphetamines: Ex Adderall- Stimulant
Example of Methamphetamines
Is this a Stimulant or Depressant?
Methamphetamines: Ex Crystal Meth-Stimulant
LSD:
Powerful hallucinogenic drug that is also known as acid.
THC:
Major active ingredient in marijuana (not actually marijuana) - will cause mild hallucinations.
Hallucinogens
(Psychedelic [mind manifesting]) drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input.
