Psych BAUB

Localisation of function

Theory that behaviours stem from specific brain regions, and damage to that area would result in an inability to carry out that behaviour.

Relative localisation

although one part of the brain plays a key role in behaviour, several other regions of the brain play lesser roles in that behaviour.

Strict localisation

Behaviours can only be attributed to one single area of the brain.

Neural network

The human brain consists of neurons which transmit signals based on information received by senses. These neurons transmit signals through connections from one neuron to another crating a network.

Neuroplasticity

the ability of neural networks to change through growth (dendritic branching) and reorganisation (adaptive plasticity). This is a result of neurons adapting to environmental stimulation through changes in individual neural pathways.

Synaptic pruning

The process of removing extra synapses. This is the brains way of removing unused connections.

Synaptogenesis

Creation of new synapses

MRI - Maguire

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates a three dimensional image of the brain through disrupting hydrogen molecules. This is done through a magnetic field and radiowaves, which map these hydrogen molecules. It is non-invasive, creates images with high resolution.

MRI - Pixel counting

Counting the pixels created by an MRI image to measure an area of the brain.

Agonist

Chemical or drug which binds to receptors in the brain to cause a reaction. Can be hormones and NTs, or drugs.

Antagonist

A chemical or drug which binds to receptors and prevents NTs from having an effect on behaviour. (e.g. Ach)

Excitatory function (e.g. ACH)

When a NT increases the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential. However this depends heavily on the receptor as NTs may be excitatory on certain receptors but be inhibitory on other receptors.

Inhibitory function (e.g. Scopolamine)

when an NT decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

Neurotransmitter

a chemical messanger which carries messages between neurons. Released from the axon terminal into the synaptic cleft and binds with receptors on the postsynaptic neuron to send an electrical charge.

Reuptake

Reabsorption of NTs into the presynaptic neuron after the neural impulse.

Hormone

A chemical released by glands into the bloodstream which has an effect on behaviour.

Adrenaline

Secreted via the adrenal glands; responsible for fight or flight response. Plays a role in emotional memory (mcgaugh + cahill)

HPA axis

Major neuroendocrine system which controls the regulation of stress. In McGaugh + cahill, the HPA axis is activated thus allowing deeper consolidation of memory.

Target cells

Target cells respond to the secretion of adrenaline, it contains functional receptors to respond.

Pheremone

A chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal, affecting the behaviour of physiology of others in its own species.

MHC

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a group of genes that code for proteins found on the surface of cells that help the immune system recognise foreign substances

Kinship study

Study that looks at the frequency of a trait within a family to determine likelihood that it may be inherited.

Adaptation

The changes in behaviour, physiology, and structure of an organism to become better suited to an environment

Sexuall selection

Members of one biological sex choose mates of the other sex to mate with (intersexual) and compete with other members of their own sex for a mate (intrasexual selection)