Physiological Psychology Chapter 3

Nervous System

The complex network of nerves and cells that transmits signals between different parts of the body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and coordinating activity throughout the body.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body, enabling communication between the brain and limbs.

Somatic Nervous System

A division of the PNS that controls voluntary muscles and conveys sensory information to the CNS.

Autonomic Nervous System

A division of the PNS that controls involuntary organs and functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for rigorous activity.

mobilizes action

most ganglia near the spinal cord

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy by slowing down the heart rate and increasing intestinal and gland activity.

relaxes the body

ganglia connected directly to organs

Anterior (brain anatomy)

The front portion of the brain.

Posterior (brain anatomy)

The back portion of the brain.

Dorsal (brain anatomy)

Refers to the side of the brain that is away from the stomach.

Ventral (brain anatomy)

Describes the area of the brain that is close to the stomach.

Superior (brain anatomy)

Above or higher in position.

Inferior (brain anatomy)

Below or lower in position.

Medulla

A structure in the hindbrain responsible for vital reflexes like breathing.

Cranial Nerves

They allow the medulla to control sensations from the head and muscle movements in the head, as well as many parasympathetic nervous system outputs.

Cerebellum

Regulates motor movement, balance, coordination, and is important for shifting attention between auditory and visual stimuli.

Limbic System

A set of interconnected structures including the olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and cingulate gyrus associated with motivation and emotions.

Thalamus

A relay station for sensory organs whose main source of input is to the cerebral cortex.

Basal Ganglia

A group of structures that include the caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus, responsible for coordinating movement and motor control.

Frontal Lobe

The part of the cerebral cortex involved in executive functions like planning.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information such as touch.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information.

CAT Scan

A medical imaging technique used to detect tumors and brain damage.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging used to visualize the internal structure of the brain.

EEG

Electroencephalography, a method to measure electrical activity of the brain.

MEG

Magnetoencephalography, a technique for mapping brain activity by recording magnetic fields.

Evoked Potentials

Measurements of the brain's electrical activity in response to stimuli.

PET scan

Positron emission tomography, a neuroimaging technique that produces a 3D image of functional processes.

fMRI

Functional magnetic resonance imaging, a technique that measures and maps the brain's activity using blood flow.

hypothalamus

basic life functions and contains pituitary gland

limbic system

concerned with basic life functions

• includes: he olfactory bulb,
  hypothalamus, hippocampus,
  amygdala, and cingulate gyrus of the
  cerebral cortex

Cranial nerves

Allow the medulla to control sensations from the head, muscle movements in the head, and many parasympathetic outputs

pons

unconscious processes, sleep-wake and breathing

superior colliculi

visual stimuli

inferior colliculi

auditory information

midbrain

brain between sensory and motor output

hindbrain

basic life functions

midbrain

relay station for sensory information relating to sight and sound

cerebral cortex

outer region of the brain

nucleus accumbens

“accumulate” rewards

active transport system

a protein-mediated process that allows for chemicals from the blood to enter into the brain