Unit 3: The Biology of Behavior Flashcards
Neurons
Nerve cells that make up the nervous system and communicate to transfer information from the brain throughout the body.
Action Potential
When a sensation occurs, either outside your body or from another neuron, a quick electrical charge is sent down the axon of the neuron, waking it up.
Excitatory Signals
like gas pedal, telling neurons to go
Inhibitory signals
Like brakes, telling the neuron to stop
Threshold
Specific level of stimulation that must be generated for a neural impulse or message to be sent. When threshold is met, action Potential occurs, signal is sent to other neurons, leading to a response, or the behavior.
Synapse
Point of connection between the tip of the axon or the synaptic terminal and the dendrite of another neuron. The open space between neurons is a synaptic gap.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that communicate between neurons/neuron and muscle.
Reuptake
when neurotransmitters are unable to find a receptor site either disperse, break down, or are reabsorbed.
Lateralization
Scientists have hound that different regions of the brain have different functions
Brain Sides
Right: Creative
Left: Logical and analytical
Frontal Lobe
Located at the front of brain. Responsible for conscious or voluntary movement and executive functions. Like your secretary (Planning, organizing, self-monitoring)
Parietal Lobe
Located behind your frontal lobe, responsible for sensations and perceptions. (5 senses) Plays a role in reading and reasoning.
Temporal Lobe
Side of your head behind your ears, processes emotions. Used for language and processing info from 5 senses.
Occipital Lobe
Beneath the parietal Lobe, responsible for vision.
Cerebellum
Located at the back of your head, responsible for movement and coordination. Helps for fine motor skills.