Biological Psychology - Ch. 3

Parts of the brain, its functions, and location.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprised of the brain and spinal cord. It's the main control center, responsible for processing information and coordinating actions.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It connects the CNS to the rest of the body, allowing for communication between the brain and organs, muscles, and glands.

Grey Matter

Contains neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons. It is the part of the CNS where information is processed.

White Matter

Composed of myelinated axons, which form bundles called tracts. The myelin sheath insulates the axons, allowing for faster transmission of nerve impulses. White matter connects different parts of grey matter to each other.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Part of the CNS responsible for voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles. It also receives sensory information from the skin and muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of the PNS that regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Sympathetic Nervous System

"Fight or flight" response.

increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and inhibiting digestion.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

"Rest and digest" response. decreasing heart rate, constricting pupils, and stimulating digestion.

Hindbrain

back of the head. Controls basic life-sustaining functions (e.g., breathing, heart rate) and coordinates movement.

Midbrain

Located in the brainstem. Relays sensory and motor information (vision, hearing, and motor control)

Forebrain

The largest part of the brain. Responsible for` like thought, emotion, and memory.

Medulla

vital reflexes. Controls breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Pons

Connects the cerebrum and cerebellum. Axons cross over

Cerebellum

regulates motor movemement

Tectum

Part of the midbrain, involved in auditory and visual reflexes.

Tegmentum

Part of the midbrain, involved in motor function, arousal, and regulation of body temperature.

Substantia Nigra

Located in the midbrain, plays a crucial role in movement control, dopamine ready movement

Thalamus

"Sensory relay station." Relays sensory signals (except smell) to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sexual drive. It's a link between the nervous system and the endocrine system.

Hippocampus

Key for forming new memories (long-term memory).

Amygdala

Involved in processing emotions, especially fear and pleasure.

Pituitary Gland

"Master gland." A small gland at the base of the brain that produces hormones regulating growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum. Responsible for higher-level functions like thought, language, and consciousness.

The Ventricles

Cavities within the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid, which provides cushioning and transports nutrients.

Laminae

Layers or sheets of neurons in the cerebral cortex.

Occipital Lobe

Primarily responsible for processing visual information.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in hearing, language comprehension, and memory.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information like touch, temperature, and pain. Also involved in spatial awareness and navigation.

Frontal Lobe

The largest lobe. Responsible for executive functions like planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and personality.

EEG (Electroencephalography)

A technique that measures electrical activity in the brain. It's used to study brain waves and diagnose conditions like epilepsy.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. It's used to map which parts of the brain are active during specific tasks.