Untitled Flashcards Set

Depressants

Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions.

Alcohol

A depressant that produces an initial high followed by relaxation and disinhibition but can lead to depression, memory loss, and organ damage.

Barbiturates

Tranquilizers that reduce anxiety, can be prescribed to induce sleep, but can impair memory and judgment in large doses.

Opiates

Drugs like heroin that provide a rush of euphoria, pain relief, and mimic endorphins, leading to depressed physiology and painful withdrawal.

Stimulants

Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions.

Caffeine

A stimulant that increases alertness and wakefulness but can cause anxiety and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine

A stimulant that provides arousal and relaxation but can lead to heart disease and cancer.

Cocaine

A powerful stimulant that causes a rush of euphoria but can lead to cardiovascular stress and depressive crash.

Methamphetamine

A stimulant that produces euphoria and energy but can result in irritability and severe health issues.

Hallucinogens

Psychedelic drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

A mild hallucinogen that also acts as a stimulant, causing emotional elevation but risks dehydration and cognitive impairment.

LSD

A hallucinogen that causes visual 'trips' and can result in panic from a bad trip.

Marijuana (THC)

A hallucinogen that enhances sensations and relieves pain but can impair learning and increase the risk of psychological disorders.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A method to measure electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

A technique that measures magnetic fields generated by electrical activity in the brain.

Computed Tomography (CT)

An imaging technique that uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the brain.

Positron emission tomography (PET)

An imaging method that tracks radioactive tracers in the brain to show function.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An imaging technique using strong magnetic fields to produce detailed images of brain structure.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

A method that measures changes in blood flow to map brain activity.

Amygdala

A primitive brain structure linked to emotion.

Hippocampus

A brain region associated with conscious memory.

Limbic system

A neural system in the forebrain that includes structures linked to emotion and memory.

Corpus callosum

Axon fibers that connect the two cerebral hemispheres.

Thalamus

A brain structure that relays messages between lower brain centers and the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that controls maintenance functions and governs the endocrine system.

Pituitary gland

The master gland of the endocrine system.

Reticular formation

A neural network that helps control arousal and alertness.

Pons

A brain structure that coordinates movement and controls sleep.

Medulla

The brain structure that controls heartbeat and breathing.

Spinal cord

A pathway for neural fibers that travels to and from the brain.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that coordinates voluntary movement and balance.

Cerebral cortex

The ultimate control and information-processing center of the brain.