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Psychology > Unit 3 > Flashcards

Unit 3 Flashcards

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1
Q

neuron

A

cell in the nervous system that receives, integrates, and transmits info

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2
Q

dendrites

A

branches on the neuron that receives messages from other neurons

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3
Q

soma

A

is the cell body that contains the cell nucleus

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4
Q

the cell nucleus

A

is the life support of the neuron

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5
Q

axon

A

long, thin fiber that transmits signals

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6
Q

Myelin sheath

A

insulating material that coats axons and speeds transmission of info

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7
Q

Terminal buttons

A

small knobs that produce neurotransmitters to transmit the neuron’s message

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8
Q

Synapse

A

small gap between neurons where info is transmitted

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9
Q

Neurotransmitters

A

chemical messages released from terminal buttons that travel across the synapse to receptors on dendrites of other neuron

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10
Q

Reuptake

A

the process of reabsorbing unused neurotransmitters

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11
Q

Agonists

A

a chemical that mimics the action of neurotransmitters causing similar effects

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12
Q

What stops reuptake

A

agonists

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13
Q

Antagonists

A

a chemical that opposes the action of a neurotransmitter

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14
Q

gilia cells

A

cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons

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15
Q

gilia cell duties:

A
  1. stores glucose from the blood
  2. gets rid of waste
  3. cleans up dead neurons
  4. provides insulation
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16
Q

what takes up more of our brain: neurons or gilia cells

A

gilia cells make up a larger portion of our brain than neurons

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17
Q

What kind of system is the nervous system

A

electro-chemical communication system

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18
Q

What are the 2 main branches of the nervous system

A
  1. The Central System
  2. The Peripheral System
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19
Q

What are the parts of the body that are a part of the Central Nervous System

A

the brain and spinal cord

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20
Q

What is part of the Peripheral Nervous System

A

all the other nerves outside the brain and spinal cord

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21
Q

What are the 2 parts of the Peripheral Nervous System

A

the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system

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22
Q

What are the two parts of the autonomic nervous system

A

the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system

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23
Q

What is the somatic nervous system?

A

nerves that connect to voluntary skeletal muscles and sensory receptors

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24
Q

What is the autonomic nervous system?

A

made up of nerves that connect to the heart, blood, vessels, organs, glands

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25
Q

What is the sympathetic nervous system

A

involved in stress-related functions and activities

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26
Q

What is the parasympathetic nervous system

A

associated with routine operations of the body

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27
Q

what does the spinal cord do

A

it is the messenger b/t the body and the brain, and is in charge of our reflexes

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28
Q

Which nervous system is the spinal cord connected to

A

It has 30 sections called the vertebrae, and is part of the central nervous system, but is connected to the peripheral nervous system

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29
Q

T/F: The brain is why we can react and feel sensations

A

false, the spinal cord is why we can react and feel sensations

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30
Q

What is the medulla

A

it is part of the hindbrain that controls the automatic processes of the autonomic nervous system

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31
Q

What is the pons

A

Serves as the bridge to connect the hindbrain to the rest of the brain

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32
Q

What is the cerebellum

A

part of the hindbrain that receives messages to control our balance, coordination, movement, and motor skills, while also being associated with processing certain types of memories

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33
Q

What is the reticular formation

A

a structure that is centered in the midbrain and is associated with the sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity

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34
Q

what is the thalamus

A

where all our senses (except smell) are routed before going to other areas of the brain to be processed

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35
Q

what is the hypothalamus

A

a forebrain structure that regulates body temperature, appetite, & blood pressure, & serves as an interface b/t the nervous system and the endocrine system and in the regulation of sexual motivation and behavior.

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36
Q

What is the hippocampus

A

a part of our temporal lobe that is associated with our learning and memory

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37
Q

What is the amygdala

A

A part of the limbic system that is why we feel emotions and can tie emotions to our memories

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38
Q

What is Corpus Callosum

A

a thick band of neural fibers that connect the left and right hemispheres of the brain allowing the 2 hemispheres to be able to interchange info with each other

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39
Q

What are the occipital lobes

A

a part of the brain that is located on the back and is associated with visual processing and where the primary visual cortex is.

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40
Q

What are the parietal lobes

A

the top part of the brain right behind the frontal lobe processes the body’s senses and contains the somatosensory cortex

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41
Q

what are the temporal lobes

A

the part of the brain that is located near your temples & is associated with hearing, memory, emotions, and some aspects of language. The auditory cortex and Wernicke’s Area are located here.

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42
Q

What are the frontal lobes

A

the part of the brain that extends from the front of the brain to the central sulcus and is involved in reasoning, motor control, and language

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43
Q

What is the Somatosensory Cortex

A

a part of the parietal lobes that processes touch and sensations

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44
Q

What is the motor cortex

A

a part of the frontal lobe that plans and coordinates movements

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45
Q

What is the Broca’s Area

A

part of the frontal lobe that is in charge of language production

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46
Q

What is the Wernicke’s Area

A

the area of the brain associated with speech comprehension

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47
Q

Difference between Broca’s Area and Wernicke’s Area

A

A person with damage in the Wernicke’s area can produce sensible language but is unable to understand it, while damage in the Broca’s Area can understand language but cannot produce sensible language

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48
Q

T/F: Classic depressants affect the serotonin system

A

false, classic hallucinogens affect the serotonin system

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49
Q

consciousness

A

our awareness of internal and external sensations

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50
Q

what is consciousness often studied with

A

An electroencephalogram (EEG)

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51
Q

what kind of waves are associated with the beta stage

A

beta waves

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52
Q

describe beta waves

A

highest frequency, lowest amplitude

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53
Q

what is the beta stage

A

when an individual is alert and awake

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54
Q

What is the alpha stage

A

when the individual is awake and drowsy

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55
Q

what kind of waves are associated with alpha stage

A

alpha waves

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56
Q

describe alpha waves

A

lower frequency, higher amplitude, and more rhythmic

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57
Q

what is stage 1 of the non-rem sleep stages

A

transition from wakefulness

58
Q

what do the brain waves look like in stage 1 of the non-rem sleep stages

A

theta waves

59
Q

what do the brain waves look like in stage 2 of the non-rem sleep stages

A

theta waves and sleep spindles

60
Q

what are sleep spindles

A

bursts of high-frequency waves

61
Q

how does an individual react in stage 2 of the non-rem sleep stages

A

Tension, heart rate, BP, temp, respiration decrease

62
Q

what is stage 3 of the non-rem sleep stages

A

deep sleep/ slow-wave sleep

63
Q

what waves are in stage 3 of the non-rem sleep stages

A

delta waves

64
Q

what are delta waves

A

low frequency, high amplitude waves

65
Q

how does one’s body react in the stage 3 of the non-rem sleep stages

A

The body is very relaxed; BP, temp, breathing, and blood to the brain reduced

66
Q

what does REM stand for

A

rapid eye movements

67
Q

what waves occur during REM cycle

A

active brain waves, similar to beta waves (high in frequency, and low in amplitude)

68
Q

how does our body react in the REM cycle

A

our body is “paralyzed” but is at its highest level of psychological arousal

69
Q

In the REM cycles, there are more liekly to be dreams that are more memorable than in the NREM cycles

A

True!

70
Q

3 traits about dreams

A
  1. Dreams usually include familiar people and places
  2. Dreams are usually affected by our daily experiences and cultures
  3. A majority of dreams contain negative content
71
Q

What is the Freud Psychoanalytic Theory

A

The idea that dreams represent subconscious desires

72
Q

What is manifest content

A

the actual content of the dream

73
Q

What is the latent content

A

the underlying meaning behind the dream

74
Q

manifest: ___________ as latent: ____________

A

denotation; connotation

75
Q

What is the activation-synthesis theory

A

dreams are just a by-product of neural activity

76
Q

What is the threat simulation theory

A

dreams allow us to rehearse survival strategies

77
Q

What is the social simulation theory

A

dreams allow us to rehearse strategies for dealing with social/behavioral situations

78
Q

Hypnosis

A

the state of consciousness where people’s relaxation has been heightened

79
Q

5 things you need in order to be able to be hypnotized

A
  1. good concentration
  2. suggestibility
  3. ability to relax
  4. strong visual imagery
  5. desire to be hypnotized
80
Q

T/F: people can do “amazing feats” when they are hypnotized

A

false

81
Q

Hypnotic anesthesia

A

reductions in pain after receiving suggestions during hypnosis

82
Q

T/F: Hypnotic anesthesia works

A

true, it can be used to treat acute and/or chronic pain

83
Q

T/F: Hypnosis enhances memory

A

false, and suggestibility during hypnosis can lead to false memories

84
Q

T/F: Age regression works

A

false, hypnotees will act whatever age is given but they will not relive their childhood

85
Q

T/F: Hypnosis can help quit smoking, eight loss, etc

A

could be true, but the evidence for it is weak

86
Q

difference between somnambulism and REM Behavior disorder

A

REM BD is when the person acts out their dream whereas somnambulism doesn’t have to do with dreams

87
Q

Sleep paralysis

A

waking up feeling paralyzed

88
Q

cause of sleep paralysis

A

the brain becomes aware before the deep relaxation of muscles during the REM stage stops

89
Q

when does sleep paralysis usually occur

A

when waking-up or falling asleep

90
Q

Hypnogogic Sleep Paralysis

A

sleep paralysis + hallucinogens

91
Q

what 3 factors increase the likelihood of sleep paralysis

A
  1. stress
  2. sleep deprivation
  3. alcohol
92
Q

how do hallucinogens have a dramatic effect on the senses

A

sensations intensified, hallucinations, time distortion, synesthesia

93
Q

Hallucinogens

A

a class of drugs that affects our perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory stimulation

94
Q

synesthesia

A

crossing of sensory perceptions (ex. when you can taste colors)

95
Q

how do hallucinogens affect mood

A
  1. highly emotional
  2. can cause a dream-like state
  3. can cause a “bad trip”
96
Q

what are 3 possible medical uses for hallucinogens

A
  1. treatment of alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine addiction
  2. In terminally ill patients, it can treat anxiety, depression, and the fear of death
  3. treatment of “treatment-resistant” depression
97
Q

do hallucinogens have a high chance of dependency

A

no, they actually have a low chance, but tolerance develops quickly

98
Q

What is the most widely used illegal drug in the US

A

Marijuana

99
Q

What kinds of effects can marijuana have on the brain

A

relaxation, euphoria, time distortion, appetite increases, enhancement of sensations/ feelings, memory impairment

100
Q

What are some medical uses for marijuana

A
  1. pain relief
  2. appetite stimulation
  3. control of nausea
  4. reduction of tremors/seizures
101
Q

harmful effects of marijuana

A
  1. lung damage from the smoke
  2. High doses can cause paranoia, panic, fast heart rate nausea, vomiting
  3. slowed reaction times
  4. memory problems
102
Q

T/F: the main cause of amotivational syndrome is marijuana

A

false

103
Q

T/F: marijuana is not a gateway drug

A

true

104
Q

T/F: people can become dependent on marijuana

A

true, but only ~5% of people develop dependency

105
Q

effects of MDMA

A

energizing, creating feelings of euphoria, aphrodisiac properties (associated with riskier sexual practices)

106
Q

MDMA is an empathogen. What is an empathogen

A

enhances social intimacy, empathy, trust, feelings of safety

107
Q

What is a medical use for MDMA

A

treatment for PTSD

108
Q

Concerns/Risks of using MDMA

A
  1. dehydration (or overhydration due to fear of dehydration)
  2. impossible to know how pure it is
  3. tolerance can build quickly but the dependency rates are low
  4. Long-term heavy users have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, memory & cognitive deficits due to damage to serotonin systems - though these effects may not be permanent
109
Q

What drugs have low dependency rates, but develops tolerance easily

A
  1. MDMA
  2. Hallucinogens
110
Q

difference between physical and psychological dependencies

A

physical involves changes in normal bodily functions and the user undergoes withdrawal, whereas psychological, the user’s need for the drug is to relieve psychological distress

111
Q

how do stimulants effect the body

A

increased heart rate, blood pressure, & body temp

112
Q

how do sedative-hypnotics/depressants effect the body

A

suppresses the CNS activity and decreases heart rate/ blood pressure

113
Q

how do opiates effect the body

A

decreased pain, pupil dilation, decreased gut mobility, decreased respiratory function, mild euphoria

114
Q

T/F: substance abuse rates are high for depressants

A

true because users tend to have physical dependencies for it and in turn build tolerance and withdrawal

115
Q

What do stimulants act like

A

agonists of the dopamine neurotransmitter system

116
Q

T/F: caffeine is an example of a hallucinogen

A

false, it is a stimulant

117
Q

what does acetylcholine function as

A

a neurotransmitter in motor neurons

118
Q

Methadone

A

a synthetic opioid that is less euphorigenic than heroin and similar drugs.

119
Q

how do methadone clinics help people

A

they help people who previously struggled with opioid addiction manage withdrawal symptoms through the use of methadone.

120
Q

Meditation

A

the act of focusing on a single target to increase awareness of the moment

121
Q

benefits of meditation

A

reduced blood pressure, better sleep management, sleep quality, and pain management. It can also possibly help to manage hypertension

122
Q

insomnia

A

a type of sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall/stay asleep

123
Q

parasomnias

A

a type of sleep disorder that provokes unwanted motor movements throughout the sleep cycle

124
Q

narcalepsy

A

a type of sleep disorder that makes people feel extremely sleepy during the day, potentially causing them to suddenly fall asleep in the middle of their activities.

125
Q

Drugs that may lead to substance use disorder are

A

CNS depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, analgesics, and opiates

126
Q

sensation

A

stimulation of sense organs; gathering raw data from the world around you

127
Q

perception

A

the process of organizing and interpreting sensory information

128
Q

absolute threshold

A

lowest intensity at which participant notices stimuli 50% of the time

129
Q

difference threshold (noticeable difference)

A

the smallest difference between 2 stimuli that is needed for a person to notice 50% of the time

130
Q

Weber’s Law

A

differences between bigger/more intense stimuli need to be larger to be noticed

131
Q

selective attention

A

the art of focusing on a specific stimulus while ignoring others

132
Q

inattentional blindness

A

failure to notice unexpected events while working on a task

133
Q

sensory adaptation

A

the change in responsiveness of the sensory system based on the avg level of surrounding sensation

134
Q

bottoms-up processing

A

using individual sensory pieces to build and perceive a whole sensory event

135
Q

top-down processing

A

using context, expectations, etc to perceive a whole sensory event

136
Q

example of bottoms-up processing

A

stubbing your toe on a chiar

137
Q

example of top-down processing

A

if you see the chair you have stubbed your toe on before and you avoid it to make sure it does not happen again.

138
Q

which is the most dominant sense for humans

A

visual

139
Q

the mcgurk effect

A

an auditory-visual illusion that illustrates how perceivers merge information for speech sounds across the senses.

“ba” vs “fa” video

140
Q

Myopia

A

(nearsightedness) far away object are blurry bc the eye is too long

141
Q

Hyperopia

A

(farsightedness) close objects are blurry bc the eye is too small or the lens does not thicken enough

142
Q

Presbyopia

A

(old people vision) Nearby objects are blurry because the lens is less elastic with age

Psychology (6 decks)

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