Brain and Neuropsychology

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Brain and Neuropsychology lecture.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord, involved in psychological processes and life maintenance.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Transmits messages to and from the CNS and the rest of the body.

Somatic Nervous System

A division of the PNS that transmits messages between the CNS and senses, controlling voluntary movements.

Autonomic Nervous System

A division of the PNS that regulates involuntary bodily functions, divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Fight or Flight Response

A physiological reaction triggered by the ANS, preparing the body to either confront or flee from a perceived threat.

Adrenaline

A hormone released during the fight or flight response, increasing heart rate and preparing the body for action.

James-Lange Theory of Emotion

Suggests emotions are the result of bodily changes, not the cause.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.

Relay Neurons

Neurons that carry messages between sensory and motor neurons, mainly within the CNS.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles.

Hebb's Theory of Learning

States that the connections between neurons strengthen when one neuron frequently activates another, summarized as 'what fires together wires together'.

Synaptic Transmission

The process by which signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a neuron and bind to and activate the receptors of another neuron.

Excitation

An increase in the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential.

Inhibition

A decrease in the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential.

Localisation of Function

The theory that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific functions.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

A technique for measuring and mapping brain activity based on changes in blood flow.

Computerised Axial Tomography (CT) Scan

A type of imaging technique that uses X-ray equipment to create detailed images of the brain.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

An imaging test that helps reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning, particularly the brain.

Broca's Area

A region in the frontal lobe associated with speech production.

Wernicke's Area

A region in the temporal lobe associated with language comprehension.