psych 1.3a-b remake

Amygdala

Two neural clusters in the limbic system linked to emotion such as fear and aggression

Hypothalamus

Controls hunger thirst body temperature and sexual behavior while maintaining homeostasis

Limbic System Reward Centers

Brain regions like the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens that produce pleasure and motivate survival behaviors

Hippocampus

Processes explicit memories and enables formation of new long-term memories

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain responsible for higher thinking learning and voluntary movement

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the cerebrum that processes perception language and complex thought

Motor Cortex

Frontal lobe area controlling voluntary muscle movement

Somatosensory Cortex

Parietal lobe area receiving sensory input for touch pressure and movement

Brain–Machine Interface

Technology that allows paralyzed individuals to control devices using brain signals

Association Areas

Regions involved in higher mental functions such as judgment planning and memory

Prefrontal Cortex

Front part of the frontal lobe that controls reasoning decision making and social behavior

Neuroplasticity

Brain’s ability to reorganize or form new neural connections after damage or learning

Neurogenesis

Formation of new neurons in the brain often linked to sleep exercise and enrichment

Lateralization

Specialization of the left and right hemispheres for different functions

Corpus Callosum

Band of axons connecting the two hemispheres and enabling communication

Split Brain

Condition from cutting the corpus callosum that isolates the brain’s hemispheres

Left Hemisphere

Controls speech language and analytical reasoning

Right Hemisphere

Processes spatial awareness creativity and emotional recognition

Neuron

Nerve cell that sends and receives information through electrical and chemical signals

Myelin Sheath

Fatty covering around axons that speeds impulses and whose loss causes multiple sclerosis

Glial Cells

Support neurons by providing nutrients removing waste and insulating axons

Action Potential

Brief electrical impulse traveling down an axon to transmit information

Resting Potential

State when a neuron’s interior is negatively charged relative to the exterior

Refractory Period

Short recovery time after a neuron fires before it can fire again

Synapse

Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters carry chemical signals

Reuptake

Reabsorption of neurotransmitters into the sending neuron after signaling

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons

Endorphins

Natural pain-relieving neurotransmitters that promote pleasure and well-being

Agonist

Drug molecule that enhances or mimics a neurotransmitter’s action

Antagonist

Drug molecule that blocks or inhibits a neurotransmitter’s action

Endocrine System

Slower communication system using hormones that travel through the bloodstream

Pituitary Gland

Master gland that releases growth hormone and oxytocin under control of the hypothalamus

Substance Use Disorder

Continued use of a drug despite negative effects tolerance and withdrawal

Depressants

Drugs that slow neural activity including alcohol barbiturates and opioids

Stimulants

Drugs that increase alertness energy and heart rate such as caffeine nicotine and cocaine

Cocaine

Stimulant that increases dopamine serotonin and norepinephrine causing brief euphoria followed by crash

Methamphetamine

Highly addictive stimulant that floods the brain with dopamine leading to energy and later depression

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Synthetic stimulant and mild hallucinogen that increases serotonin and promotes social connectedness

Hallucinogens

Drugs that distort perception and evoke sensory experiences without input

LSD

Powerful hallucinogen that alters perception and emotions with unpredictable effects

THC (Marijuana)

Active compound in cannabis that relaxes the body heightens senses and impairs coordination

Marijuana Effects

Can relieve pain and nausea but increases risk of anxiety depression and memory impairment especially in adolescents

Limbic System

Neural system including the amygdala hypothalamus and hippocampus that regulates emotion motivation and memory

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Network in the brainstem that regulates arousal alertness and attention

Multiple Sclerosis

Degenerative disorder where myelin sheath breaks down slowing or blocking neural communication

Opioids

Depressant drugs that reduce pain and produce euphoria by mimicking endorphins

Barbiturates

Depressant drugs that slow nervous system activity and can impair memory or be lethal with alcohol

Nicotine

Highly addictive stimulant in tobacco that increases alertness and heart rate while reducing stress

Tolerance

Condition in which increased doses of a drug are needed to achieve the same effect

Withdrawal

Physical and psychological symptoms that occur when stopping a drug after dependence

Psychoactive Drugs

Chemicals that alter brain function and change perception mood and behavior

Alcohol Use Disorder

Chronic excessive drinking leading to tolerance withdrawal and brain and liver damage

Cortisol

Stress hormone released by the adrenal glands that increases blood sugar and energy

Adrenal Glands

Glands above the kidneys that release epinephrine norepinephrine and cortisol during stress

Oxytocin

Hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary that promotes bonding trust and social behavior