Psychology

Neuroscience and the Biology of Behavior

Neurons

calls that recieve and send messages within the system

Dendrite

a branch-like fiber that receives messages (impulses)

Axon

responsible for carrying info to the end of the neuron

Gilal calls

the glue that holds neurons in place

Myelin (sheath)

protects the axon

Ion

electrically charged atom that carries a positive or negative charge

Resting potential

electrical charge is inactive

Acting potential

a brief charge that travels down the neurons (110 millivolts)

Synapse

a small space between neurons of communication

Neurotransmitters

chemical messages of the nervous system

Excitatory neurotransmitter

signal the neuron to fire

Dopamine

happy neurotransmitter

Norepinephrine

fight or flight

Epinephrine

adrenaline

Inhibitory neurotransmitter

makes a target neuron less likely to fire an action potential

Serotonin

controls mood swings

Endorphins

pain relief and feelings of pleasure

GABA

“calm down“ signal

Sensory neuron

receives info from the senses and informs the brain

Motor neuron

carries signals from nervous system to muscles

Interneuron

connects sensory and motor neurons

Somatic Nervous System

brings info to spinal cord and controls muscles

Autonomic nervous system

regulates bodily functions without you knowing

Sympathetic Division

responsible for involuntary functions of the internal organs reacting to stressful events by preparing body for action

Parasympathetic Division

returns body to normal function after arousal and stressful situations

Gland

organ that produces chemicals that do specific jobs in your body

Endocrine glands

ductless glands (tissues)

Hormones

chemicals

Pituitary gland

master gland

Pineal gland

melatonin

Thyroid gland

regulated metabolism

Gonads

productive glands

Adrenal glands

stress, mood

Pancreas

regulates blood sugar

CT scan

x-ray of internal images of the body

MRI

detailed images (3d)

Functional MRI

“movie” of the brain

EEG

measures electrical activity in the brian

MEG

precise info

PET

3d images of the functioning of the brain

Neuroplasticity

the brain’s ability to change or reorganize itself as a result of experience

Medulla

controls breathing, swallowing, blood circulation, and heart rate

Pons

influences sleep control, facial muscles, and arousal

Cerebellum

controls involuntary movement and voluntary movement

Midbrain

controls sensory and motor functions

Thalamus

alertness, sleep, consciousness

Hypothalamus

emotions and motivational behavior

Hippocampus

responsible for long-term memory and the storage for memory (location)

Amygdala

emotions affecting memory

Cingulate Cortex

cognitive and emotional processing

Cartelization

higher learning

Left side of the brain

controls right side of the body (analytical)

Right side of the brain

controls left side of the body (creativity)

Occipital lobe

vision

Parietal lobe

sensory

Temporal lobe

auditory

Frontal lobe

mental (cognitive)