Unit 1: Module 1.4a - 1.4c Flashcards
Biological psychology
The scientific study of the links between biological and psychological processes
Biopsychosocial approach
An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis
Levels of analysis
The differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural
Neuroplasticity
The brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage
Lesion
Tissue destruction / may occur during surgery
EEG (Electroencephalogram
An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface
MEG (Magnetoencephalography)
A brain-imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical activity
CT (Computed Tomography) scan
A series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles to make slices of the brain’s structure
PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
A technique for detecting brain activity that displays where a radio form of glucose goes
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue
fMRI (Functional MRI)
A technique for revealing blood flow and, therefore, brain activity
Hindbrain
Consists of the medulla, pons, and cerebellum; directs essential survival functions, such as breathing
Midbrain
Found atop the brain stem; connects the hindbrain with the forebrain, controls some motor movement
Forebrain
Consists of the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and hypothalamus; manages complex cognitive activities
Brainstem
The central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; is responsible for automatic survival skills
Medulla
The hindbrain structure that is the brain stem’s base; controls heartbeat and breathing
Thalamus
The forebrain’s sensory control center, located on top of the brain stem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex
Reticular formation
A nerve network that travels through the brain stem into the thalamus; it filters information and controls arousal
Cerebellum
The hindbrain’s “little brain” at the rear of the brain stem; its functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance
Limbic system
Neural system located mostly in the forebrain; associated with emotions and drives
Amygdala
Two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion
Hypothalamus
A limbic system neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities
Hippocampus
A neural center in the limbic system that helps process explicit memories
Cerebral cortex
the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the forebrain’s cerebral hemispheres
Frontal lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; enables linguistic processing and muscle movements
Partietal lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position
Occipital lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fieldsT
Temporal lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; it includes the auditory areas and enable language processing
Motor cortex
A cerebral cortex area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements
Somatosensory cortex
A cerebral cortex area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch
Association areas
Areas of the cerebral cortex that are involved in higher mental functions such as learning
Neurogenesis
The formation of new neuronsCorpu
Corpus callosum
The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carries messages between them
Split brain
A condition resulting from surgery that separates the brain’s two hemispheres by cutting the fibers
