Psych 1010: Unit 3

Biological Psychology

Studies the relationship between the nervous system and behavior.

Biological Psychologists

Researchers who study the biological basis of psychological phenomena.

Brain Mapping Phrenology

Discredited theory that skull shape reflects brain size and cognitive function.

Brain Damage

Understanding brain function by observing how it fails to function.

Computerized Tomography (CT)

Imaging technique that shows brain tumors.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

Imaging method that shows brain activity.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging technique used to look at brain structure.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Shows changes in metabolic activity in the brain over time.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Measures and records electrical activity of the brain.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Measures magnetic fields to identify areas generating seizures.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Modifies brain function through implanted electrodes.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Applies magnetic fields to enhance or interrupt brain function.

Neurons

Building blocks of the nervous system that specialize in communication.

Action Potentials

Nerve impulses that travel down an axon.

Glial Cells

Support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Synapses

Spaces between neurons where neurotransmitters travel to connect.

Myelin Sheath

Insulation from glial cells that improves signal transmission in neurons.

Resting Potential

State of a neuron before it fires, polarized with negative inside and positive outside.

All-or-None Law

A neuron must reach a certain threshold to fire.

Electrochemical Communication

Process where electrical signals trigger the release of neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Messages that increase the likelihood of a neuron firing.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Messages that decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing.

Reuptake

Process where excess neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron.

Agonist

Substance that mimics or enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

Substance that blocks or impedes the normal activity of a neurotransmitter.

Glutamate

Most common excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that dampens neural activity.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter involved in attention, memory, and sleep.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and voluntary movement.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that influences mood, sleep, and pain.

Neural Plasticity

The brain's ability to adapt and change.

Myelination

Process that makes neurons faster and brain regions more efficient.

Pruning

Reorganization of the brain to enhance connections.

Hindbrain

Oldest part of the brain controlling basic functions like eating and sleeping.

Medulla

Controls vital functions such as heartbeat and breathing.

Pons

Involved in sleep and arousal.

Cerebellum

Coordinates motor movements and timing.

Forebrain

Responsible for complex cognitive activities and voluntary motor functions.

Cerebral Cortex

Involved in higher mental processes and has four lobes.

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for planning and decision-making.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in auditory processing and memory.

Occipital Lobe

Specialized for vision processing.

Limbic System

Emotional center of the brain involved in motivation and memory.

Hypothalamus

Regulates internal bodily states and controls the pituitary gland.

Amygdala

Plays a role in fear and aggression.

Hippocampus

Involved in spatial memory and forming new memories.

Peripheral Nervous System

Conveys information between the central nervous system and muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary body functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Activates the rest and digest response.

Endocrine System

Glands that produce hormones to regulate bodily functions.

Pituitary Gland

Releases hormones that influence growth and other functions.

Oxytocin

Hormone involved in reproductive functions and social bonding.