Psych

Phrenology

The study of the shape and size of the skull as an indicator of character and mental abilities.

Functionalism

A psychological perspective that studies how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment.

Broca's Area

A region in the left hemisphere of the brain associated with speech production.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nervous tissue and fibers outside the CNS.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Hypothalamus

A brain structure involved in the regulation of homeostasis and the endocrine system.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from stimulating them simultaneously.

Habituation

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced when holding two or more contradictory beliefs or values.

Socialization

The process of internalizing the norms and values of a society.

Self-Esteem

The overall value that one places on oneself.

Anomie

A social condition where norms are confused, unclear, or not present.

Altruism

A selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Strain Theory

A sociological theory asserting that social structures can pressure citizens to commit crimes.

Meritocracy

A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.

Cognitive Bias

A systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, associated with higher brain functions like thought and action.

Cerebellum

Located at the back of the brain, responsible for coordination and balance.

Brainstem

Connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord and controls basic life functions.

Thalamus

Acts as the brain's relay station for sensory and motor signals.

Hypothalamus

Regulates vital functions like temperature, hunger, and thirst.

Hippocampus

Involved in memory formation and spatial navigation.

Amygdala

Processes emotions such as fear and pleasure.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Frontal Lobe

Associated with reasoning, planning, movement, and problem-solving.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information like touch, temperature, and pain.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in processing auditory information and memory.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information from the eyes.

Medulla Oblongata

Controls involuntary functions like heart rate and breathing.

Pons

Connects upper and lower parts of the brain, regulating sleep and arousal.

Reticular Formation

A network of neurons important for regulating wakefulness and sleep.

Basal Ganglia

Involved in movement regulation and coordination.

Prefrontal Cortex

Critical for decision-making, social behavior, and personality.

Broca's Area

Region in the frontal lobe responsible for speech production.

Wernicke's Area

Involved in language comprehension, located in the temporal lobe.

Insula

Involved in consciousness and emotion processing.

Thalamic Nuclei

Specialized groups of neurons in the thalamus processing different types of sensory information.

What is sleep?

A natural state of rest for the body and mind characterized by altered consciousness and reduced sensory activity.

What are the stages of sleep?

Sleep is divided into REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM stages, which include light and deep sleep.

What is REM sleep?

A sleep stage where dreaming occurs, characterized by quick eye movements and increased brain activity.

What is non-REM sleep?

A sleep stage divided into three phases: light sleep, moderate sleep, and deep sleep.

What is sleep cycle?

The progression through the various stages of sleep that typically lasts about 90 minutes.

What happens during deep sleep?

During deep sleep, the body repairs itself, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system.

What disorders affect sleep?

Common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy.

What is insomnia?

A condition characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

What is sleep apnea?

A serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

What are the effects of sleep deprivation?

Effects include fatigue, mood swings, impaired cognitive function, and weakened immune response.

What is circadian rhythm?

The body's internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other physiological processes over 24 hours.

How does light affect sleep?

Exposure to light, particularly blue light, can suppress melatonin production, disrupting sleep.

What role does melatonin play?

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and promotes sleep onset.

What is the role of sleep in emotional regulation?

Adequate sleep helps in managing stress, anxiety, and emotional responses.

What is neuropsychology?

A branch of psychology focused on the relationship between brain function and behavior.

Who is considered the father of neuropsychology?

Alexander Luria, known for his work on brain injury and cognitive function.

In what year was the American Psychological Association founded?

1892, the establishment helped in organizing the field of psychology, including neuropsychology.

What is the significance of the case of Phineas Gage?

Gage's accident provided early evidence for the relationship between brain injury and personality changes.

What study in the 20th century contributed to the understanding of brain lateralization?

Roger Sperry's split-brain experiments, which investigated the functions of the left and right hemispheres.

Who were the early pioneers in connecting neurological damage to behavioral changes?

Paul Broca and Carl Wernicke, known for their discoveries related to language processing in the brain.

What role did World War II play in neuropsychology?

The war spurred interest in brain injuries and rehabilitation, advancing neuropsychological research.

What is cognitive neuropsychology?

A subfield that investigates how cognitive processes are influenced by brain dysfunction.

How did advancements in neuroimaging impact neuropsychology?

Techniques like fMRI and PET scans allowed for more precise understanding of brain activity related to behavior.

What is the relationship between neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology?

Neuropsychology informs rehabilitation practices for individuals with brain injuries by linking cognitive deficits to specific brain regions.