Week 1 Flashcards
A key difference between the brain and computers
Computers are serial devices
The connected series of fluid filled cavities in the brain
Ventricles
What has happened to the brain over the course of human evolution
Increase in size of brain, number of convolutions and size of cerebral cortex
The main part of the Neuron that contains the most neurotransmitter receptors
Dendrite
The main conductor of the action potential along the neuron’s length
Axon
Person who discovered the chemical basis of neurotransmission
OTTO Loewi
The branch of psych that attempts to explain behaviour in terms of biology
Biological psychology
The study of neural architecture of various brain regions and mapping of pathways that connect them
Neuroanatomy
The study of how neurons produce action potentials and neural information
Neurophysiology
Where did Descartes think the mind and body interacted? (Gland)
Pineal gland
Encephalisation
The brain becoming larger with relation to the body over the course of human evolution
What is the Golgi Stain?
When nervous tissue is exposed to silver nitrate, 2% of the nerve cells turn black
Agonist
Drug that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter
Antagonist
Drug that opposes or inhibits the effects of a neurotransmitter (usually by blocking receptor sites)
Acetylcholine
A catecholamine. Excitatory. Used at neuromuscular junctions. Muscle mov’t; REM sleep; perceptual learning; memory
Dopamine
A catecholamine. Excitatory and inhibitory. Mov’t, attention, learning, reinforcing effects of abused drugs.
Noradrenaline/norepinephrine
Found in brain and sympathetic division of autonomic nervous system. Vigilance/attentiveness
Epinephrine/adrenaline
A catecholamine. In brain, secreted by adrenal medulla.
Serotonin
An indolamine. Regulation of mood, control of eating, sleep, dreaming, arousal, regulation of pain.
GABA
Gamma aminobutyric acid. Most important inhibitory n’trans in brain and spinal cord.
Peptides
Serve as neuromodulators. Don’t bind, but affect speed of n’trans in synapse
Endogenous opioid (endorphins)
Act as opiates; reduce pain.
Enkephalins
Endogenous opioid. Works like endorphins
Mono amine oxydase
Enzyme found in synapse; helps to break down excess levels of n’trans
The original name for the field which involves the study of the physiology of behaviour
Physiological Psychology
