PSYC 1010 Lecture Review - Stress, Brain & Immune System, Nervous System, Brain Structures

Flashcards covering neural communication, neuron structure and function, neurotransmitters, nervous system divisions, brain imaging techniques, and specific brain structures and their functions.

How do messages move within neurons?

Electrically

How do messages move between neurons?

Chemically

Which part of a neuron 'speaks' by sending messages?

Axons

Which part of a neuron 'listens' by receiving messages?

Dendrites

What type of neurons are sensory neurons?

Afferent neurons

What type of neurons are motor neurons?

Efferent neurons

What is the charge of the fluid inside the axon membrane at resting potential?

Mostly negatively charged ions

What is the charge of the fluid outside the axon membrane at resting potential?

Mostly positively charged ions

What is the primary function of neurotransmitters?

They impact emotion, thought, and behavior.

What is an agonist?

A substance that mimics or enhances the actions of neurotransmitters.

What is an antagonist?

A substance that blocks or inhibits the actions of neurotransmitters.

What is the main excitatory neurotransmitter?

Glutamate

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with reward and motivation?

Dopamine

What is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter?

GABA

Which neurotransmitters are involved in pain reduction and natural rewards?

Endorphins

How do opioids affect the brain?

They mimic endorphins.

How does Prozac work chemically in the brain?

It blocks the reuptake of serotonin.

What is the primary function of glia (glial cells)?

They provide support for neurons and make up about 50% of brain volume.

What does neural plasticity refer to?

The brain's constant changing through processes like growth, synaptogenesis, pruning, and myelination.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System

What are the two main divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?

Somatic and Autonomic

What are the two main divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System?

Sympathetic System and Parasympathetic System

Which part of the peripheral nervous system controls voluntary movement?

Somatic nervous system

Which part of the peripheral nervous system controls involuntary actions, internal organs, and glands?

Autonomic nervous system

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response?

Sympathetic nervous system

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for 'rest and digestion'?

Parasympathetic nervous system

Which brain imaging technique measures electrical activity using electrodes placed on the scalp?

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Which brain imaging technique uses radioactive glucose to show active brain areas during specific tasks?

Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan)

Which brain imaging technique uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of brain structures?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Which brain imaging technique compares successive MRIs to show changes in brain activity over time?

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Which hindbrain structure controls heartbeat, breathing, and reflexes, and serves as a crossover point for nerves?

Medulla

Which hindbrain structure is involved in sleep and movement?

Pons

Which hindbrain structure coordinates voluntary movement, balance, and plays a role in nonverbal learning and memory?

Cerebellum

Which midbrain structure is involved in reflexes, breathing, pain, sleep, and arousal, enabling multitasking?

Reticular formation

Which limbic system structure acts as a sensory gateway, sending information to other brain areas?

Thalamus

Which limbic system structure maintains a steady internal state and regulates basic biological needs like fighting, fleeing, feeding, and sex?

Hypothalamus

Which limbic system structure is critical for the creation of new memories?

Hippocampus

Which limbic system structure is involved in forming associations between stimuli and emotional responses, particularly rage and fear?

Amygdala

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex contains the primary visual cortex and receives visual information?

Occipital lobe

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex receives sensory information from the body, with more area devoted to more sensitive body parts?

Parietal lobe

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily involved in hearing (primary auditory cortex) and autobiographical memory?

Temporal lobe

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is responsible for executive functions, movement, planning, rational thought, reasoning, attention, decision-making, empathy, and sense of self?

Frontal lobe

What are 'executive functions' primarily controlled by the frontal lobe?

The coordination of the entire brain.