actual pysche cram ch2

cram.

Here you go — just **copy everything below** and **paste directly into Quizlet’s “Import” tool**, making sure “Tab” is selected as the separator:

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Dendrite

Receives signals from other neurons; input structure of a neuron.

Axon

Sends electrical impulses away from the cell body; long fiber carrying signals to axon terminals.

Axon Terminals

Release neurotransmitters into the synapse; send chemical messages to next neuron.

Synapse

Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters cross for communication.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger that transmits neural signals, e.g., dopamine, serotonin.

Dopamine

Controls movement, motivation, and pleasure; imbalance linked to Parkinson’s and schizophrenia.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Enables muscle action, learning, and memory; low levels linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

GABA

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms neural activity; prevents overstimulation and anxiety.

Glutamate

Major excitatory neurotransmitter for learning and memory; excess may cause migraines or seizures.

Serotonin

Regulates mood, hunger, and sleep; low levels associated with depression.

Norepinephrine

Increases alertness and arousal; part of the fight-or-flight response.

Endorphins

Natural painkillers that produce pleasure; released during exercise (“runner’s high”).

Pituitary Gland

“Master gland” that controls other endocrine glands and releases growth hormone.

Thalamus

Relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex; directs sight and sound.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, body temperature, and hormones; links nervous and endocrine systems.

Gonads

Produce sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Adrenal Glands

Control stress response; release adrenaline and cortisol.

Hippocampus

Forms new memories and supports learning; damage causes amnesia.

Cerebellum

Coordinates balance, posture, and fine motor control.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the cerebrum responsible for higher-level thinking and decision making.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain; involved in thought, emotion, and voluntary movement.

Amygdala

Processes emotions like fear and aggression.

Pons

Links brain regions and helps regulate sleep and arousal.

Medulla Oblongata

Controls heart rate, breathing, and vital reflexes.

Corpus Callosum

Connects left and right brain hemispheres for communication.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Regulates alertness, attention, and sleep-wake transitions.

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for planning, decision making, and motor control.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory input such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Temporal Lobe

Handles hearing, language comprehension, and memory.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information from the eyes.

Spinal Cord

Connects the brain to the body; transmits signals and controls reflexes.