AP Pysch Unit 1.4a

biological psychology

the scientific study of the links between biological and psychological processes.

biopsychosocial approach

an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis

levels of analysis

the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.

lesion

tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.

EEG (electroencephalogram)

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain's surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

MEG(magnetoencephalography)

a brain imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain's natural electrical activity

CT(computerized tomography) scan

A series of x-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brain's structure.

PET(positron emission tomography)

a technique for detecting brain activity that displays where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy.

fMRI (functional MRI)

A technique for revealing blood flow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function.

Hindbrain

Consists of medulla, pons, and cerrbellum directs essential survival functions such as breathing sleeping and wakefullness

Midbrain

Found atop the brainstem: Connects hindbrain with the forebrain, controls some motor functions and transmits auditory and visual information

Forebrain

Consists of the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and hypothalamus; manges complex cognitive functions and voluntary motor activities

Brain stem

Centerl Core of the brain, begninng where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull. The brain stem is responblie for automatic survival functions

Medulla

brainstems base and part of the hindbrain structure. Controls heartbeat and breathing

Thallmuss

The forebrains sensory control center, located at the top of brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory reciviing areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla

Reticular formation

a nerve network that travels through the brain stem into the Thallmuss; it filtirs information and plays an important role in controlling arousal

Cerebellum

the hindbrains “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; its functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance and enabling nonverbal learning and memory

Limbiac system

is a complex set of structures found on both sides of the thalamus, right under the cerebrum. Consists of amgyalda, pituitary gland, thalamus, and others. It supports various functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction (sense of smell).

Amygdala

two Lima bean sized neural clusters in the limbiac system; linked to emotion

Hyptolamus

is a small region of the brain that serves as the main control center for autonomic functions. It plays a crucial role in many important functions, including releasing hormones and regulating body temperature.

Hippocampus

A nueral center located in the limbiac system; helps process explicit (conscious) memories- of facts and events- for storage

Cerebral Cortex

The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain that plays a crucial role in higher cognitive functions such as perception, memory, language, and decision-making. It is responsible for processing sensory information and initiating voluntary movements.

Frontol Lobes

portion of cerbreal cortex located right behind the forehead. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions including reasoning, problem-solving, judgment, and motor function.

Partiel Lobe

is one of the four major lobes of the brain, located at the top and back part of the head. It's responsible for processing sensory information from various parts of the body, including spatial sense and navigation.

Occiptilal Lobe

is positioned at the back region of the cerebral cortex and is responsible for interpreting visual stimuli and information.

Temporal Lobes

one of four main lobes in the brain, located near your temples. It plays a key role in processing auditory information and encoding memory.