Discovering Psychology-Chapter 2

endorphins

Neurotransmitter that regulate pain

endocrine system

System of glands located throughout the body that secrete hormones throughout the body

electroencephalogram

Graphic record of brain actity produced by the electroencephalograph (EEG)

dopamine

Neurotransmitter that regulates body movement, thought processes, and rewarding sensations.

dendrites

Multiple short fibers that extend (tree-like branches) from the neuron cell body and receive information from sensory receptor cells.

cortical localization

The notion that different functions are located or localized in different areas of the brain; also called localization of function

corpus collosum

The thick band of axon that connect the two brain hemispheres of the brain and allows communication between them.

cognitive neuroscience

The study of the neural (nerve) basis of cognitive processes

cerebral hemisphere

The right and left halves of cerebral cortex (right and left brain)

cerebellum

Large structure at back of the brain responsible for muscle coordination, posture, and equilibrium

cell body

the area of the nerve cell where the nucleous is located that processes nutrients and provides energy for the nerve cell.

brain stem

Region of the brain made up the hindbrain and midbrain

axon

The long fluid-filled tube that carries nerve message to other parts of the body

autonomic nervous system

"automatic" Subdivision of the nervous system that controls involuntary body functions

amygdala

Almond-shaped cluster of neurons in temporal lobe involved in memory and emotional responses

neuroscience

The study of the nervous system especially the brain.

neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers produced by the neuron.

neurogenisis

The development of new neurons

neuron

Nerve cell

nervous system

Primary internal communication network of the body divided into the central and peripheral nervous system.

nerves

Bundles of neuron axon that carry information to the peripheral nervous system.

motor neuron

Neuron that tells muscle to relax (motor=movement and muscle help you move)

medulla

hindbrain structure that controls vital life functions such as breathing or circulation

midbrain

The middle and smallest region that processes sound and visual information

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Non invasive imaging technique that produces highly detailed images of the brain using electromagnetic signals generated by the brain in response to the magnetic field.

limbic system

group of forebrain structures that surround the brainstem involves emotions, motivation, learming and memory.

lateralization of function

The notion that specific brain functions are processed primarily on one side of the brain.

hormones

Chemical messengers secreted into the blood steam by endocrine glands

hippocampus

curved forebrain structure invovled in learing and forming new memories

hindbrain

the back portion of the brain including the cerebellum and brainstem

functional plasticity

The brain's ability to function from damaged to undamaged areas

functional MRI (fMRI)

Use of magnetic fields to map the brain activity measuring changes.

frontal lobe

The largest lobe of each cerebral hemisphere that processes voluntary (non automatic) muslce movement also involved in thinking, planning, and emotional control.

forebrain

The largest and most complex brain region (cerebrum) contains the centers for complex behaviors and mental processes

temporal lobe

An area located on each side of the right and left hemispheres near the temples that is the receiving area for sound information

synapse

The point of communication between two neurons

sympathetic nervous system

part of the autonomic nervous system (automatic) that produces "fight or flight" response.

structural plasticity

Brain ability to change physical structure in response to learning, active practice or environmental influences.

stimulus threshhold

The minimum level of stimulation required to activate a particular neuron.

split brain operation

a surgery that involves cutting the corpus callosum

spinal reflexes

Simple automatic behaviors processed in the spinal cord

somatic nervous system

Subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that carries sensory information to the central nervous system and carries motor information to muscles.

serotonin

Neurotransmitter involved in sleep and emotions

sensory neurons

Type of neuron that sends information to the brain from receptor cells in sense organs and internal organs

reticular formation

A network of nerve fibers located in the center of the medulla that regulates attention, arousal, and sleep.

resting potential

State in which the neuron is prepared to activate and communicate its message if sufficient stimulation is received'

positron emission tomography (PET)

An invasive imaging technique that provides color-coded images of brain activity through radioactivity

pons

Hindbrain structure that connects the medulla to the two sides of the cerebellum; helps coordinate and integrate movement on each side of the body.

peripherial nervous system

Nerves outside of the central nervous system

parasympathetic nervous system

Division of the autonomic (automatic) nervous system that maintains the body's normal function.

occipital lobe

Area at the back of each hemisphere that controls visual information.

Wernick’s Area

a brain region in the temporal lobe of the dominant hemisphere, usually the left, that is crucial for the comprehension of language