Chapter 2 Biology and Behavior

Dendrite

Branchlike structure; receives messages from
other cells

Axon

Long tube-like structure that carries messages
to other cells

Synaptic Gap

Fluid filled space between end of axon terminals
and surface of the next cell

Soma

The cell body; responsible for nutrients

Axon Terminal

Branches at the end of the axon

Myelin Sheath

Fatty substance that coats and insulates the
axon

Acetylcholine

Involved in action of muscles, learning and
memory

Pancreas

Controls the level of sugar in the blood

Serotonin

Regulates mood, sleep and attention; linked to
depression and anxiety symptoms

Dopamine

Controls voluntary movement, attention,
learning and rewards

Pineal Gland

Secretes melatonin

Pituitary Gland

Master gland, secretes human growth

Endorphins

Natural opiate; shields the body from pain,
elevates feelings of pleasure

Adrenal Glands

Located on top of each kidney, helps us deal
with stress

Medulla

Responsible for life-sustaining functions such
as breathing and heart rate

Corpus Callosum

Thick band of neurons connecting right and
left hemispheres of the brain

Pons

Involved in sleep, dreaming, and arousal

Temporal Lobe

Responsible for hearing; meaningful speech

Amygdala

Responsible for fear response and memory of
fear

Hippocampus

Plays a role in learning, forming long term
memories

Reticular Formation

Responsible for selective attention, ignoring
repetitive stimuli

Frontal Lobe

Lobe responsible for higher mental processes,
decision making, and production of fluent
speech

Hypothalamus

Regulates the amount of fear, thirst, sexual
drive and aggression that we feel

Parietal Lobe

Contains centers for touch, taste, and
temperature sensations