Psychology, Chapter 2 Biology and Behavior Vocabulary

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67 Terms

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neurons
specialized cells of the nervous system that transmit electrical and chemical signals in the body
specialized cells of the nervous system that transmit electrical and chemical signals in the body
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neuroscience
the study of the brain and other parts of the nervous system
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biological psychology
the branch of psychology that focuses on how the brain and other biological systems influence human behavior
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phrenology
an early approach to explaining the functions of the brain by trying to link the physical structure of the skull with a variety of characteristics
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cell body
the region of the neuron that includes structures that nourish the cell, and a nucleus containing DNA
the region of the neuron that includes structures that nourish the cell, and a nucleus containing DNA
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dendrites
tiny, branchlike fibers extending from the cell body that receive messages from other neurons and send information in the direction of the cell body
tiny, branchlike fibers extending from the cell body that receive messages from other neurons and send information in the direction of the cell body
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axon
skinny tube like structure of a neuron that extends from the cell body and sends messages to other neurons and sends information in the direction of the cell body. (not all axons are myelinated)
skinny tube like structure of a neuron that extends from the cell body and sends messages to other neurons and sends information in the direction of the cell body. (not all axons are myelinated)
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myelin sheath
a fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds the transmission of neural messages.
a fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds the transmission of neural messages.
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synapse
the place where the axon terminal of a sending neuron meets the dendrite of a neighboring neuron or other type of cell receiving its signal; junction between neurons where communication occurs
the place where the axon terminal of a sending neuron meets the dendrite of a neighboring neuron or other type of cell receiving its signal; junction between neurons where communication occurs
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glial cells
cells of the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons
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resting potential
the electrical potential of a cell "at rest"; the state of a cell when it is not activated
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action potential
the spike in voltage that passes through the axon of a neuron, the result of which is to convey information
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all-or-none
a neuron either fires or does not fire; action potentials are always the same strength
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neurotransmitters
chemical messengers that neurons use to communicate at the synapse
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receptor sites
locations on the receiving neuron's dendrites where neurotransmitters attach.
locations on the receiving neuron's dendrites where neurotransmitters attach.
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reuptake
a process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending axon terminal
a process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending axon terminal
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sensory neurons
neurons that receive information from the sensory systems and convey it to the brain for further processing
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motor neurons
neurons that transmit information from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands
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interneurons
neurons that reside exclusively in the brain and spinal cord; act as a bridge connecting sensory and motor neurons
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reflex arc
an automatic response to a sensory stimulus, using a simple pathway of communication from sensory neurons through interneurons in the spinal cord and back out through motor neurons
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nerves
bundles of neurons that carry information to and from the central nervous system; enable communication between the central nervous system and the muscles, glands, and sensory receptors.
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somatic nervous system
the branch of the peripheral nervous system that includes sensory nerves and motor nerves; gathers information from sensory receptors and controls the skeletal muscles responsible for voluntary movement.
the branch of the peripheral nervous system that includes sensory nerves and motor nerves; gathers information from sensory receptors and controls the skeletal muscles responsible for voluntary movement.
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autonomic nervous system
the brance of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary processes within the body, such as contractions in the digestive tract and activity of glands.
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sympathetic nervous system
the division of the autonomic nervous system that mobilizes the "fight-or-flight" response to stressful or crisis situations.
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parasympathetic nervous system
the division of the autonomic nervous system that orchestrates the "rest-and-digest" response to bring the body back to a noncrisis mode.
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endocrine system
the communication system that uses glands to convey messages by releasing horomones into the bloodstream.
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horomones
chemical messengers released into the bloodstream that influence mood, cognition, appetite, and many other processes and behaviors.
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pituitary gland
the small endocrine gland located in the center of the brain just under the hypothalamus; known as the master gland.
the small endocrine gland located in the center of the brain just under the hypothalamus; known as the master gland.
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thyroid gland
the endocrine gland that regulates the rate of metabolism by secreting thyroxin
the endocrine gland that regulates the rate of metabolism by secreting thyroxin
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adrenal glands
endocrine glands involved in response to stress and the regulation of salt balance.
endocrine glands involved in response to stress and the regulation of salt balance.
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cerebrum
the largest area of the brain, includes virtually all parts of the brain except the brain stem structures; has two distinct hemispheres
the largest area of the brain, includes virtually all parts of the brain except the brain stem structures; has two distinct hemispheres
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corpus callosum
the thick band of nerve fibers connecting to the right and left cerebral hemispheres; principal structure for information sharing between the two hemispheres
the thick band of nerve fibers connecting to the right and left cerebral hemispheres; principal structure for information sharing between the two hemispheres
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split brain operation
a rare procedure used to disconnect the right and left hemispheres; involves cutting the corpus callosum
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lateralization
the idea that each cerebral hemisphere processes certain types of information and excels in certain activities
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broca's area
a region of the cortex that is critical for speech production
a region of the cortex that is critical for speech production
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wernicke's area
a region of the cortex that plays a pivotal role in language comprehension.
a region of the cortex that plays a pivotal role in language comprehension.
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neurogenesis
the generation of new neurons in the brain
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stem cells
cells responsible for producing new neurons
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cerebral cortex
the wrinkled outermost layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher mental functions, such as decision making, language, and processing visual information.
the wrinkled outermost layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher mental functions, such as decision making, language, and processing visual information.
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frontal lobes
the area of the cortex that directs higher-level cognitive activities, such as language, emotions, control of social behavior, and decision making.
the area of the cortex that directs higher-level cognitive activities, such as language, emotions, control of social behavior, and decision making.
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parietal lobes
the area of the cortex that receives and processes sensory information such as touch, pressure, temperature, and spatial orientation.
the area of the cortex that receives and processes sensory information such as touch, pressure, temperature, and spatial orientation.
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occipital lobes
the area of the cortex in the back of the head that processes visual information
the area of the cortex in the back of the head that processes visual information
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temporal lobes
the area of the cortex that processed auditory stimuli and language
the area of the cortex that processed auditory stimuli and language
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motor cortex
a strip of brain tissue toward the rear of the frontal lobes that works with other brain regions to plan an execute voluntary movements
a strip of brain tissue toward the rear of the frontal lobes that works with other brain regions to plan an execute voluntary movements
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association areas
regions of the cortex that integrate information from all over the brain, allowing us to learn, think in abstract terms, and carry out complex behaviors.
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limbic system
a collection of structures that regulates emotions and basic drives such as hunger, and aids in the creation of memories
a collection of structures that regulates emotions and basic drives such as hunger, and aids in the creation of memories
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thalamus
a structure in the limbic system that processes and relays sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cortex
a structure in the limbic system that processes and relays sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cortex
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hypothalamus
a small structure located below the thalamus that maintains the internal environment within a healthy range; helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, sexual behavior, and appetite
a small structure located below the thalamus that maintains the internal environment within a healthy range; helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, sexual behavior, and appetite
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amygdala
a pair of almond-shaped structures in the limbic system that processes aggression and basic emotion such as fear, as well as associated memories.
a pair of almond-shaped structures in the limbic system that processes aggression and basic emotion such as fear, as well as associated memories.
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hippocampus
a pair of sea-horse shaped structures located in the limbic system; primarily responsible for creating new memories.
a pair of sea-horse shaped structures located in the limbic system; primarily responsible for creating new memories.
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forebrain
the largest part of the brain; includes the cerebrum and the limbic system.
the largest part of the brain; includes the cerebrum and the limbic system.
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midbrain
the part of the brainstem involved in levels of arousal; responsible for generating movement patterns in response to sensory input.
the part of the brainstem involved in levels of arousal; responsible for generating movement patterns in response to sensory input.
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reticular formation
a network of neurons running through the midbrain that controls levels of arousal and quickly analyzes sensory information on its way to the cortex.
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hindbrain
includes areas of the brain responsible for fundamental life-sustaining processes
includes areas of the brain responsible for fundamental life-sustaining processes
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pons
a hindbrain structure that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and coordinate movement between the right and left sides of the body
a hindbrain structure that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and coordinate movement between the right and left sides of the body
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medulla
a hindbrain structure that oversees vital functions, including breathing, digestion, and heart rate.
a hindbrain structure that oversees vital functions, including breathing, digestion, and heart rate.
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cerebellum
a hindbrain structure located behind the brainstem that is responsible for muscle coordination and balance; Latin for "little brain"
a hindbrain structure located behind the brainstem that is responsible for muscle coordination and balance; Latin for "little brain"
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Terminal buttons (axon terminals)
Transmit signal to the next neuron
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Node of Ranvier
A gap in the myelin sheath
A gap in the myelin sheath
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Acetylcholine (ACh)
Relays messages from neurons to muscles, enabling
movement (botulism [e.g., Botox] inhibits release of ACh)
Too much = spasms; too little = paralysis
Low levels in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease
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Glutamate
Excitatory neurotransmitter (e.g., MSG)
Plays a central role in learning and memory
Too much = strokes; too little = symptoms of
schizophrenia
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GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
Inhibitory neurotransmitter
Plays role in controlling sleep, wakefulness, and
intoxication
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Epinephrine (adrenaline)
energy
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Norepinephrine
Prepares the body for stress.
In the brain, norepinephrine is involved in regulating
arousal and sleep.
High levels could lead to overarousal and hypervigilance.
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Endorphins
A group of naturally produced opioids
Released in response to pain and block pain receptor
sites
Also released with brisk exercise (e.g., “runner’s high”)
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Serotonin
Helps control appetite, aggression, and mood, and
regulates sleep and breathing.
Abnormally low activity is thought to drive depression.
SSRIs help boost the effects of serotonin.
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Dopamine
Emotional arousal (fear, anxiety), motivation/reward
(hunger, thirst, sex), pleasure, drug abuse (e.g., cocaine
and amphetamines)
Plays a key role in attention, learning through
reinforcement, and regulating body movements
Parkinson’s disease is linked to a deterioration of
neurons that produce dopamine.