Psych 101 - Introduction to Psychology: The Brain and Behavior

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to the nervous system, neurons, brain structures, and genetics as taught in Psych 101.

Nervous System

A complex system composed of billions of cells communicating with each other.

Afferent Nerves

Sensory nerves that carry information to the brain.

Efferent Nerves

Motor nerves that carry information out of the brain and spinal cord.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The network of nerves that connects the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that conveys sensory information to the CNS and conveys motor commands.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Mobilizes the body for action, often referred to as the fight or flight system.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body and conserves energy.

Stress

The body's response to stressors.

Corticosteroids

Hormones released in response to stress that help the brain focus on immediate needs.

Acute Stress

Stress with a defined beginning and end.

Chronic Stress

Ongoing stress without a well-defined endpoint that can cause health problems.

Neurons

Nerve cells that handle information processing.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that provide nutritional benefits.

Axon

A part of the neuron that sends information away from the cell body.

Dendrites

Extensions of neurons that receive information.

Myelin Sheath

A protective covering that encases and insulates most neurons.

Neural Impulse

Brief electrical impulses that communicate information between neurons.

Resting Potential

The negative charge of a neuron at rest, typically between -60 to -75 millivolts.

Action Potential

A brief switch in charge that occurs when a neuron fires.

Synapse

The gap between neurons where communication occurs.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle action, learning, and memory.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

A neurotransmitter that inhibits many neurons from firing.

Glutamate

A neurotransmitter that promotes neuronal firing and is crucial for learning.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter that influences neurons in the CNS and excites cells in other areas.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that regulates movement and affects mood and attention.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in regulating sleep, mood, and learning.

Endorphins

Natural painkillers produced by the body.

Oxytocin

A hormone involved in social bonding and maternal behaviors.

Neural Networks

Interconnected groups of neurons that process information.

Brain Lesioning

Abnormal disruption of brain tissue caused by injury or disease.

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

A device that records electrical activity in the brain.

Brain Imaging

Techniques like CAT scans and MRI used to visualize brain structure and function.

Hindbrain

The lower part of the brain, including structures that regulate vital functions.

Medulla

Part of the hindbrain that controls heart rate and breathing.

Cerebellum

Part of the hindbrain important for motor coordination.

Pons

A structure that connects the cerebellum and brain stem, involved in sleep and arousal.

Brainstem

The oldest part of the brain, responsible for basic survival functions.

Thalamus

A relay station for information between lower and higher brain centers.

Hypothalamus

Regulates basic motivational tasks like eating, drinking, and emotional responses.

Limbic System

A group of brain structures involved in emotion and memory.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, associated with higher brain functions.

Occipital Lobe

Region of the brain responsible for visual processing.

Temporal Lobe

Part of the brain involved in hearing, language, and memory.

Frontal Lobe

Region of the brain associated with personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle control.

Parietal Lobe

Part of the brain involved in spatial location and attention.

Broca's Area

Region of the left hemisphere important for speech production.

Wernicke's Area

Region of the left hemisphere important for language comprehension.

Corpus Callosum

A bundle of axons that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that regulate bodily functions by releasing hormones.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland that influences growth and other endocrine glands.

Thyroid

Gland that controls metabolism speed.

Adrenal Glands

Glands that handle stress responses and regulate mood.

Pancreas

Gland that produces insulin and regulates blood sugar.

Ovaries

Glands that produce female sex hormones.

Testes

Glands that produce male sex hormones.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experiences.

Collateral Sprouting

A process where healthy axons grow new dendrites to compensate for damaged cells.

Substitution of Function

When an area of the brain takes over the function of a damaged area.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types.

Genes

Segments of DNA that determine specific traits and functions.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain genetic material.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an individual.

Behavior Genetics

The study of how genetics influences behavior.

Environmental Influences

External factors that affect genetic expression and behavior.

Ethics in Genetics

Considerations regarding moral implications of genetic testing and manipulation.

Genome-Wide Association Method

A method that identifies the association between genes and traits across populations.

Molecular Genetics

The study of the structure and function of genes at a molecular level.

Selective Breeding

The practice of breeding organisms for specific genetic traits.

Twin Studies

Research comparing identical and fraternal twins to understand genetic influence.

Medical Ethics

Moral principles that apply to medical practices and policies.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Deviations from the usual number or structure of chromosomes.

Interconnected Neurons

Neurons that form networks of communication within the brain.

Neurochemical Messengers

Biological substances that transmit signals in the nervous system.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA among individuals that contribute to diverse traits.

Developmental Psychology

The study of how people change over the lifespan.

Behavioral Neuroscience

The study of the biological foundations of behavior.