Intro to Psychology - Chapter 2

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the biological concepts in psychology as outlined in the lecture notes.

Neurons

Specialized cells of the nervous system that receive and pass messages.

Glial cells

Cells that remove dead neurons and waste products and nourish and insulate neurons.

Myelin

Fat that insulates the axon from electrically charged atoms, minimizing leakage of electrical current.

Afferent neurons

Neurons that transmit messages from sensory receptors to the spinal cord and brain, also called sensory neurons.

Efferent neurons

Neurons that transmit messages from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands, also called motor neurons.

Neural impulse

Electrochemical messages that travel within neurons.

Resting potential

Electrical potential across the neural membrane when a neuron does not respond.

Action potential

Provides the basis for the conduction of a neural impulse along an axon.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances involved in the transmission of neural impulses from one neuron to another.

Acetylcholine (Ach)

A neurotransmitter that controls muscle contractions and is prevalent in the hippocampus.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that affects the ability to perceive pleasure, voluntary movement, and learning.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that is active during activities that expend energy.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that acts to replenish stores of energy in the body.

Hindbrain

Part of the brain that includes the medulla, pons, and cerebellum, responsible for basic life functions.

Thalamus

Relay station for sensory stimulation in the forebrain.

Hypothalamus

Regulates body temperature, fluid concentration, and emotional behavior.

Limbic system

Involved in memory and emotion, containing structures like the amygdala and hippocampus.

Cerebral cortex

Outer layer of the cerebrum involved in bodily activities, sensations, and perceptions.

Broca’s area

Region in the frontal lobe responsible for speech production.

Wernicke’s area

Region in the temporal lobe responsible for language comprehension.

Endocrine system

Comprises ductless glands that release hormones into the bloodstream, regulating various bodily functions.

Pituitary gland

Master gland that secretes hormones regulating other glands, located below the hypothalamus.

Testosterone

Hormone produced by the testes that enables development of male sex characteristics.