psychology test 2 (copy)

absolute refractory peorid

the brief period of time following an action potential when the ion channel is unable to respond again

action potential

the electrical signal that passes along the axon and subsequently causes the realse of chemicals from the terminal buttons

resting membraine potential

the electrical charge of a neuron when it is not active

relative refractory period

the brief period of time following action potential when a neuron’s membrane potential is more negative or hyperpolarized making it harder to fire again

all or none principle

the principle that when a neuron fires, it fires with the same potency each time; a neuron either fires or not, although the frequency of firing can vary

myelin sheath

a fatty material, made up of glial cells, that insulates some axons to allow for faster movement of electrical impulses along the axon

nodes of Ranvier

small gaps of exposed axon between the segments of myelin sheath where action potentials take place

neurotransmitters

Chemical substances that transmit signals from one neuron to another.

receptors

In neurons, specialized protein molecules on the postsynaptic membrane;

neurotransmitters bind to these molecules after passing across the synapse.

reuptake

The process whereby a neurotransmitter is taken back into the presynaptic

terminal buttons, thereby stopping its activity.

Broca’s area

A small portion of the left frontal region of the brain, crucial for the production of

language.

electroencephalography (EEG)

A technique for measuring electrical activity in the brain.

positron emission tomography (PET)

A method of brain imaging that assesses metabolic activity by using a radioactive

substance injected into the bloodstream.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A method of brain imaging that uses a powerful magnetic field to produce high-

quality images of the brain.

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

An imaging technique used to examine changes in the activity of the working human

brain by measuring changes in the blood’s oxygen levels.

transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

The use of strong magnets to briefly interrupt normal brain activity as a way to

study brain regions.

cerebral cortex

The outer layer of brain tissue, which forms the convoluted surface of the brain; the

site of all thoughts, perceptions, and complex behaviors.

corpus callosum

A massive bridge of millions of axons that connects the hemispheres of the brain

and allows information to flow between them.

occipital lobes

occipital lobes

Regions of the cerebral cortex—at the back of the brain—important for vision.

parietal lobes

Regions of the cerebral cortex—in front of the occipital lobes and behind the

frontal lobes—important for the sense of touch and for attention to the environment.

temporal lobes

Regions of the cerebral cortex—below the parietal lobes and in front of the

occipital lobes—important for processing auditory information, for memory, and

for object and face perception.

frontal lobes

Regions of the cerebral cortex—at the front of the brain—important for movement

and higher-level psychological processes associated with the prefrontal cortex.

prefrontal cortex

The frontmost portion of the frontal lobes, especially prominent in humans;

important for attention, working memory, decision making, appropriate social

behavior, and personality.

split brain

A condition that occurs when the corpus callosum is surgically cut and the

two hemispheres of the brain do not receive information directly from each

other.

insula

The part of the cerebral cortex lying inside the lateral fissure; important for taste,

pain, perception of bodily states, and empathy.

thalamus

The gateway to the brain; it receives almost all incoming sensory information

before that information reaches the cortex.

hypothalamus

A brain structure that is involved in the regulation of bodily functions, including

body temperature, body rhythms, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels; it also

influences our basic motivated behaviors.

hippocampus

a brain structure that is associated with the formation of memories.

amygdala

A brain structure that serves a vital role in learning to associate things with

emotional responses and in processing emotional information.

basal ganglia

A system of subcortical structures that are important for the planning and

production of movement.

brain stem

An extension of the spinal cord; it houses structures that control functions

associated with survival, such as heart rate, breathing, swallowing, vomiting,

urination, and orgasm.

cerebellum

A large, convoluted protuberance at the back of the brain stem; it is essential

for coordinated movement and balance.

somatic nervous system (SNS)

A component of the peripheral nervous system; it transmits sensory signals

and motor signals between the central nervous system and the skin, muscles,

and joints.

autonomic nervous system (ANS)

A component of the peripheral nervous system; it transmits sensory signals

and motor signals between the central nervous system and the body’s glands

and internal organs.

sympathetic division

A division of the autonomic nervous system; it prepares the body for action.

parasympathetic division

A division of the autonomic nervous system; it returns the body to its resting

state.

endocrine system

A communication system that uses hormones to influence thoughts, behaviors,

and actions.

hormones

Chemical substances, released from endocrine glands, that travel through the

bloodstream to targeted tissues; the tissues are subsequently influenced by the

hormones.

pituitary gland

A gland located at the base of the hypothalamus; it sends hormonal signals to

other endocrine glands, controlling their release of hormones.

plasticity

A property of the brain that allows it to change as a result of experience or

injury.

gene expression

Whether a particular gene is turned on or off.

chromosomes

Structures within the cell body that are made up of DNA, segments of which

comprise individual genes.

genes

The units of heredity that help determine an organism’s characteristics.

dominant gene

A gene that is expressed in the offspring whenever it is present.

recessive gene

A gene that is expressed only when it is matched with a similar gene from the

other parent.

genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism, determined at the moment of

conception.

phenotype

Observable physical characteristics, which result from both genetic and

environmental influences.

monozygotic twins

Also called identical twins; twin siblings that result from one zygote splitting

in two and that therefore share the same genes.

dizygotic twins

Also called fraternal twins; twin siblings that result from two separately

fertilized eggs and therefore are no more similar genetically than nontwin

siblings.

heredity

Transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring through genes

heritability

A statistical estimate of the extent to which variation in a trait within a

population is due to genetics.

Priming

Recent experience with a stimulus makes it easier to respond to related stimuli

For example: if you see a remember to recycle ad next time you come across a recycle bin and a trash bin you may use the recycle bin

Automatic processing

well practiced tasks/skills require very little attention (never 100% requires some type of attention)

Controlled processing

Requires attention

Subliminal perception

Perpetual processing of info without conscious awareness. To elaborate something that influences your thinking that you don’t notice

Benefits of meditation

• reduced loss of gray matter

• Lower blood pressure

• Reduced stress

• Increased focus