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AP Psychology > Unit 3: Brain and Biology > Flashcards

Unit 3: Brain and Biology Flashcards

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1
Q

Neural Plasticity

A

The ability of neural networks in the brain to change and adapt through growth and reorganization.

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2
Q

Glial Cells

A

Act as glue, being structural support and nourishment for the nervous system.

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3
Q

Lesions

A

Destruction found in cell tissue.

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4
Q

Computer Tomography (CT) Scans

A

Like an x-ray that uses 2-dimensional views of the brain.

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5
Q

Magnetic Resonance Tomography (PET) scans

A

The use of magnetic fields and radio waves to map out structure in more detail than a CT scan.

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6
Q

EEG (electroencephalogram)

A

Measures brain activity in waves (commonly used for sleep studies and seizures).

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7
Q

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

A

Measures glucose with a radioactive marker to detect activity in the brain.

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8
Q

Functioning MRI

A

Measures oxygen and blood flow.

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9
Q

Reflex Arc

A

The pathway of neural stimulation that occurs to translate a sensation into a physical reflexive response. Ex: The Knee Jerk.

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10
Q

Sensory Neurons/Afferent Nerves

A

Picks up sensory information.

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11
Q

Motor Neurons/Efferent Neurons

A

Does the moving in the body, including the muscles and organs.

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12
Q

Interneurons

A

Central nervous system neurons that internally communicate and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor inputs. Ex: The Brain & Spinal Cord.

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13
Q

Dendrite

A

The parts of the neuron that receive signals.

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14
Q

Axon (Axle)

A

The part of the neuron that announces and sends signals.

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15
Q

Myelin Sheath

A

The part of the neuron that acts as a case/sheath for the axons, being used as insulation and protection.

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16
Q

Terminal Buttons

A

The parts of the neuron that secrete neurotransmitters.

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17
Q

Multiple Sclerosis

A

A disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath protection the axons causing random flashes of extreme fatigue and other minor symptoms.

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18
Q

Myasthenia Gravis

A

A neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles, making you to get tired quickly.

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19
Q

Action Potential

A

A shift in charges that allows signals to be sent down the axon (becomes more positively charged/depolarized). 1st step: Sodium gates. 2nd step: Potassium gates.

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20
Q

Depolarization

A

The movement of a cell’s membrane potential to a more positive value.

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21
Q

All-or-None Principle

A

All action potentials are the same (though the frequency differs).

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22
Q

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

A

A positive voltage shift that increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire.

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23
Q

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

A

A negative voltage shift that decreases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire.

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24
Q

Threshold

A

The lowest point at which a particular stimulus will cause a response in an organism.

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25
Q

Synapse

A

The gap found between the an axon and dendrite of two different neurons acting as a junction.

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26
Q

Absolute Refractory Period

A

1-2 milliseconds that the neuron can’t fire.

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27
Q

Relative Refractory Period

A

Can only fire if exposed to a greater and more intense stimulus, such as a burning sensation.

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28
Q

Neurotransmitters

A

Chemical signals that help neurons communicate (match specific receptors).

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29
Q

Acetylcholine

A

A neurotransmitter that controls voluntary muscle movement. Is linked to Alzheimer’s and Myasthenia Gravis.

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30
Q

Dopamine

A

A neurotransmitter that links voluntary movement to “reward pathway” (makes you feel good for doing something). Low levels contribute to Parkinson’s Disease. High levels contribute to Schizophrenia.

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31
Q

Norepinephrine

A

A neurotransmitter that handles mood and arousal. Low levels contribute to Depression. High levels contribute to Mania.

32
Q

Serotonin

A

A neurotransmitter that handles sleep and wakefulness.

33
Q

Glutamate

A

An excitatory transmitter that handles learning and memory.

34
Q

Substance P (SP)

A

Increases pain perception during stressful situations.

35
Q

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

A

An Inhibitory transmitter that reduces anxiety.

36
Q

Central Nervous System (CNS)

A

The Brain and Spinal Cord; connect all of the communications made in the brain to their respective body parts.

37
Q

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

A

The outside of the Central Nervous System; divided into somatic and autonomic.

38
Q

Somatic Nervous System

A

Contains nerves that connect to voluntary skeletal muscles & sensory receptors.

39
Q

Autonomic Nervous System

A

Fire involuntarily in body parts like the heart, vessels, smooth muscles and glands.

40
Q

Sympathetic Nervous System

A

A network of nerves that helps your body activate its “fight-or-flight” response.

41
Q

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A

Controls and balances the Sympathetic Nervous System so that you’re not constantly in “fight-or-flight.”

42
Q

Hindbrain

A

The lower and less developed part of the brainstem, comprising the Cerebellum, Pons and Medulla Oblongata.

43
Q

Medulla Oblongata

A

Regulates blood circulation, breathing, coughing, and other involuntary reflexes.

44
Q

Pons

A

Regulate sleep and arousal.

45
Q

Cerebellum

A

Nicknamed the “Little Brain,” is helps with coordination and movement.

46
Q

Midbrain

A

The topmost and most developed part of the brainstem comprising the Reticular Formation.

47
Q

Reticular Formation (RAS)

A

Regulates sleep, arousal, and dreams.

48
Q

Forebrain

A

Composed of the processing of information for cognitive activities, sensory and associative functions, and voluntary motor activities. Comprises the Thalamus, Hypothalamus, and Corpus Callosum.

49
Q

Thalamus

A

Nicknamed “The Relay Station,” it regulates all sensory information (except smell).

50
Q

Hypothalamus

A

A part of the Autonomic Nervous System that regulates the 4 F’s, those being Fighting, Fleeing, Feeding, and Reproduction + Body Temperature.

51
Q

Corpus Callosum

A

The bridge between the two brain Hemispheres.

52
Q

Limbic System (Edge)

A

The border between the cerebral cortex and the deeper areas of the brain.

53
Q

Hippocampus

A

Helps to form new memories.

54
Q

Amygdala

A

Regulates fear and anger.

55
Q

Split Brain Patients

A

Patients that have their Corpus Callosum cut, meaning their brain’s two hemispheres are unable to communicate with each other and this grow independent from each other.

56
Q

Contralateral Hemisphere Organization

A

The idea that each side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. Ex: the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body.

57
Q

Cerebral Cortex

A

The top outer layer of the brain that is responsible for the higher-level processes of the human brain, such as memory, thought, language, reasoning, learning, etc.

58
Q

Occipital Lobe

A

Regulates vision. When this is hit hard enough you can see stars.

59
Q

Frontal Lobe

A

The front of the brain that is responsible for higher cognitive functions, such as social interaction, impulse control, and motor function.

60
Q

Prefrontal Cortex (Phineas Gage)

A

The first part of the frontal lobe that is developed. Its executive functions are:
1. Working Memory
2. Planning
3. Relational Reasoning
4. Impulse Control

61
Q

Mirror Neurons

A

Nerve cells that activate while imitating or watching others (plays a role in empathy).

62
Q

Motor Cortex

A

Regulates voluntary movements and making sure that commands send from the brain are acted out by the muscles.

63
Q

Temporal Lobe

A

The bottom section of the brain that is responsible for auditory information, such as sound perception, comprehension of language, as well as long-term memory.

64
Q

Broca’s Area

A

Regulates language production. When damaged, words that are spoken are switched up with others.

65
Q

Wernicke’s Area

A

Regulates language comprehension. This is the ability to effectively understand a language in both reading and speaking form.

66
Q

Parietal Lobe

A

The top middle part of the brain that is responsible for integrating sensory information such as processing touch, pain, temperature, and spatial awareness.

67
Q

Somatosensory Cortex

A

Regulates sensations such as touch, pain, pressure, and temperature.

68
Q

Plasticity

A

The brain’s ability to reroute or make new connections.

69
Q

Pituitary Gland

A

A part of the hypothalamus & Endocrine System that produces and releases hormones.

70
Q

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

A

A hormone that helps to react to dangerous or stressful situations.

71
Q

Melatonin

A

A hormone that regulates sleep.

72
Q

Oxytocin

A

A hormone that is active in childbirth and lactation. It can be released via hugging.

73
Q

Genotype

A

Your genetic make-up.

74
Q

Phenotype

A

How the Genotype is manifested in observable characteristics.

75
Q

Epigenetics

A

Not a change in the genotype but the phenotype due to the environment.

AP Psychology (7 decks)

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