Neuroscience and Psychology

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms and concepts related to neuroscience and psychology, focusing on brain structure, neurotransmitters, motivation, emotion, and development.

Brainstem

The part of the brain connecting the spinal cord and the brain, includes the hindbrain and midbrain.

Hindbrain

The lower part of the brain responsible for vital functions, including the medulla, pons, cerebellum, and reticular formation.

Cerebellum

The part of the hindbrain that coordinates movement, balance, and posture.

Limbic system

A set of structures beneath the cerebral cortex important for controlling emotional responses and memory.

Cerebral cortex

The outer portion of the forebrain, wrinkled and divided into two hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum.

Left hemisphere

The side of the brain responsible for language, grammar, writing, reading, and arithmetic.

Right hemisphere

The side of the brain responsible for visual-spatial tasks, patterns, faces, emotional expression, and music.

Neurons

Specialized cells in the nervous system responsible for communication.

Glial cells

Cells that provide support, nutrition, and waste removal for neurons.

Synaptic transmission

The process of neurotransmitters crossing synaptic gaps to communicate between neurons.

Acetylcholine

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

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and pleasure.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses.

Transduction

The process of converting sensory energy into neural signals.

Absolute threshold

The minimum intensity of a stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time.

Drive theories

The idea that behavior is motivated by the desire to reduce internal tension from unmet biological needs.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Intrinsic motivation

The desire to engage in tasks that are inherently satisfying and enjoyable.

Attachment

The emotional bond that forms between an infant and their caregivers.

Cognitive development

The process by which individuals acquire knowledge and understanding throughout their lifespan.

Erikson's psychosocial conflict

Conflicts that arise at different stages of life which need to be resolved to develop a healthy personality.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

The psychosocial conflict faced by adolescents according to Erikson.

Developmental Psychology

The study of how people change physically, cognitively, and socially throughout their lifespan.

Temperament

A person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity.

Set-point theory

The theory that the body has a natural weight that it maintains.

James-Lange theory of emotion

The theory suggesting that emotions arise from our awareness of our physiological responses.

Facial feedback hypothesis

The idea that facial expressions can influence emotional experiences.

Arousal theory

The theory stating that people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal.

Self-determination theory

Theory that optimal functioning occurs when psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are satisfied.