Psychology Unit 2: Biology and Behavior

Cell body

The region of the neuron that includes structures that nourish the cell, and a nucleus containing DNA

Dendrites

Tiny Branch like fibers extending from cell body that receive messages from other neurons/sends info in the direction of the cell body

Axon

Skinny tubelike structure of neuron that extends from cell body + sends messages to other neurons through its terminal

Myelin sheath

Fatty substance that insulates the axon/speeds the transmission of neural messages

Synapse

The connection of 2 neurons where the communication occurs

Glial Cells

Cells in nervous system that support, nourish, protect, neurons

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messenger that neurons use to communicate at the synapse

Receptor site

Location on the receiving neurons dendrites where neurotransmitters attach

Reuptake

a process which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending axon terminal

Acetylcholine

Muscle movement, memory, arousal, attention

Dopamine

Coordination of muscle movement, attention, pleasure

Glutamine

Promotes communication between neurons

Serotonin

Mood, appetite, aggression, sleep

Agonist

increases normal activity of a neurotransmitter

Antagonist

Reduces the effect of a neurotransmitter of blocks its release

Central Nervous System (CNS)

A major component of the human nervous system

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

part of nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body

Spinal Cord

Bundle of neurons that allow communication between the brain and PNS

Neurons

Specialized cells on the nervous system that transmit electrical/chemical signals in the body

Neuroscience

the study of the brain and other parts of the nervous system

Biological Psychology

The branch of psych that focuses on how the brain/biology systems influence human behaviors

GABA

Inhibits communication between neurons

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that receive info from sensory systems and convey it to the brain for further processing

Motor Neurons

Neurons that transmit info from central nervous system to the muscles/glands

Interneurons

Neurons that reside exclusively in the brain and spinal cord. Acts as a bridge connecting sensory and motor neurons

Reflex Arc

Automatic response to a sensory stimulus, using a simple pathway of communication from sensory neurons through interneurons in spinal cord and back out through motor neurons

Nerves

Bundle of neurons that carry info to and from the CNS, enable communication between the CNS and the muscles, glands, and sensory receptors

Somatic Nervous System

Branch of the PNS that includes sensory nerves and motor nerves. Gathers info from sensory receptors and controls the skeletal muscles responsible for voluntary movement

Autonomic Nervous System

Branch of PNS that controls involuntary processes within body such as contractions in digestive tract and activity of glands

Systematic Nervous System

Division of the automatic nervous system that mobilizes the fight-or-flight response to stressful/crisis situations

Endocrine System

The communication system that uses glands to convey messages by releasing hormones into bloodstream

Hormones

Chemical messengers released into bloodstream that influence mood, cognition, appetite, and many other processes/behaviors

Pituitary Glands

The small endocrine gland located in the center of the brain just under the hypothalamus, known as the master gland

Thyroid Gland

The endocrine gland that regulates the rate of metabolism by secreting thyroxin

Adrenal gland

Endocrine glands involved in responses to stress and regulation of salt balance

Cerebrum

the largest area of the brain, includes virtually all parts of the brain except brainstem structures. Has 2 distinct hemispheres

Corpus callosum

The thick band of nerve fibers connecting the right + left cerebral hemispheres. Principal structure for info sharing between the 2 hemispheres

Split brain operation

a rare procedure used to disconnect the right and left hemispheres involving cutting the corpus callosum (left side of brain excels in language and right excels in visual-spatial tasks)

Lateralization

The idea that each cerebral hemisphere processes certain types of info and excels in certain activities

Broca’s Area

Region of the cortex that is critical for speech production

Wernicke’s Area

Region of the cortex that plays a pivotal role in language comprehension

Neuroplasticity

The brains ability to heal, grow new connections, and reorganize in order to adapt to the environment (younger people have more plasticity in their brain)

Neurogenesis

The generation of new neurons in the brain

Stemcells

Cells responsible for producing new neurons

Cerebral Cortex

The wrinkled outermost layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher mental functions such as decision making, language, and producing visual info

Frontal Lobe

The area of the cortex that directs higher-level cognitive activates such as language, emotions, control of social behavior, and decision making (related to personality characteristics)

Motor Cortex

A strip of brain tissue towards the rear of the frontal lobe that works with other brain regions to plan and execute voluntary movements

Parietal Lobe

The area of the cortex that receives and processes sensory info such as touch, pressure, temp, and spatial orientation

Occipital Lobe

Area of the cortex in the back of the head that processes visual info

Temporal Lobe

Area of the cortex that processes auditory stimuli + language

Association Areas

Regions of the cortex that integrates info from all over the brain, allowing us to learn, think, in abstract terms and carry out complex behaviors.

Limbic System

A collection of structures that regulates emotions and basic drives such as hunger and aids in creating memories

Thalamus

A structure in the limbic system that processes and relays sensory info to the appropriate areas of the cortex

Hypothalamus

Small structure located below the thalamus that maintains the internal environment within a healthy range, helps regulate sleep-wake cycle, sexual behavior, and appetite.

Amygdala

A pair of almond shaped structures in the limbic system that processes aggression and basic emotions such as fear + associated memories

Hippocampus

A pair of sea horse shaped structures located in the limbic system, primarily responsible for creating new memories

Forebrain

Largest part of the brain, includes cerebrum + limbic system

Midbrain

Part of the brainstem involved in levels of arousal, responsible for generating movement patterns in response to sensory input

Reticular

Network of neurons running through the midbrain that controls levels of arousal + quickly analyzes sensory info on its way to the cortex

Hindbrain

Includes areas in the brain responsible for fundamental life-sustaining processes

Pons

A hindbrain structure that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and coordinate movement between right/left side of body

Medulla

A hindbrain structure that oversees vital functions, including breathing, digestion, heart rate

Cerebellum

A hindbrain structure located behind brainstem that is responsible for muscle coordination + balance

Pierre

Invented ablation

Franz

Invented phrenology