Biological Psychology Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key terms and concepts from the Biological Psychology lecture on Anatomy & Research Methods.

What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of?

The brain and spinal cord.

What is the role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

What are the functions of the somatic nervous system?

Controls voluntary muscles and conveys sensory information to the CNS.

What does the autonomic nervous system control?

Controls the heart, intestines, and other organs.

Define the term 'dorsal'.

Toward the back, away from the ventral side.

Define the term 'ventral'.

Toward the stomach, away from the dorsal side.

Define 'anterior'.

Toward the front end.

Define 'posterior'.

Toward the rear end.

Define 'superior'.

Above another part.

Define 'inferior'.

Below another part.

Define 'lateral'.

Toward the side, away from the midline.

Define 'medial'.

Toward the midline, away from the side.

Define 'proximal'.

Located close to the point of origin or attachment.

Define 'distal'.

Located more distant from the point of origin or attachment.

Define 'ipsilateral'.

On the same side of the body.

Define 'contralateral'.

On the opposite side of the body.

What is a coronal plane?

A plane showing brain structures as seen from the front.

What is a sagittal plane?

A plane showing brain structures as seen from the side.

Define 'lamina'.

A row or layer of cell bodies separated by axons and dendrites.

Define 'column'.

A set of cells perpendicular to the cortex surface with similar properties.

Define 'tract'.

A set of axons within the CNS, also known as a projection.

Define 'nerve'.

A set of axons in the periphery.

Define 'nucleus'.

A cluster of neuron cell bodies within the CNS.

Define 'ganglion'.

A cluster of neuron cell bodies, usually outside the CNS.

Define 'gyrus'.

A protuberance on the surface of the brain.

Define 'sulcus'.

A fold or groove that separates one gyrus from another.

Define 'fissure'.

A long, deep sulcus.

What type of information do the dorsal and ventral roots carry?

Entering dorsal roots carry sensory information, exiting ventral roots carry motor information.

What are dorsal root ganglia?

Clusters of neurons outside the spinal cord where cell bodies of sensory neurons are located.

What are the two subsystems of the autonomic nervous system?

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Prepares the organs for rigorous activity.

What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Facilitates vegetative and nonemergency responses.

What are the major structures of the diencephalon?

Thalamus, hypothalamus.

What are the major structures of the telencephalon?

Cerebral cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia.

What are the major structures of the midbrain?

Tectum, tegmentum, superior colliculus, inferior colliculus, substantia nigra.

What are the major structures of the hindbrain?

Medulla, pons, cerebellum.

What vital reflexes is the medulla responsible for?

Breathing, heart rate, vomiting, salivation, coughing, and sneezing.

What does the medulla control via the cranial nerves?

Sensations from the head, muscle movements in the head, and many parasympathetic outputs.

What does the cerebellum help regulate?

Motor movement, balance, and coordination.

What is the tectum?

Roof of the midbrain; processes sensory information.

What is the tegmentum?

Contains nuclei for cranial nerves and part of the reticular formation.

What is the substantia nigra?

Gives rise to the dopamine-containing pathway facilitating readiness for movement.

What does the forebrain consist of?

Outer cortex and subcortical regions.

What structures comprise the limbic system?

Olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and cingulate gyrus.

What behaviors is the limbic system associated with?

Eating, drinking, sexual activity, anxiety, and aggression.

What roles do the basal ganglia play?

Plays a role in planning of motor movement, and with aspects of memory and emotional expression.

What is the nucleus basalis important for?

Arousal, wakefulness, and attention.

What are the functions of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Provides 'cushioning' for the brain; reservoir of hormones and nutrition.

What is the postcentral gyrus (primary somatosensory cortex) the primary target for?

Touch sensations and information from muscle-stretch receptors and joint receptors.

What are examples of commonly used stimulant drugs?

Amphetamine, cocaine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin).