Psychology- Chapters 1 and 2

Efferent nerves

Motor information- away from the brain and to the body

Parietal

info perceived through the skin, which then goes to the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe

Neural networks

Networks of nerve cells that integrate sensory input and motor output

CNS

Spinal cord- 99% of nerve cells located here
Brain

Somatic

sensory nerves, convey info to the brain, and orders motor nerves

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Stops many neurons from firing to increase motor control
Inhibitory
Ex: valium and anti-anxiety drugs

dendrite

a short extension of a nerve cell where impulses are received from synapses

Occipital lobe

info is perceived through the eyes, which them goes to the visual cortex

cell body

contains the nucleus, needed for growth, keeps cell body alive

Frontal

connects to nervous system (spinal cord) which is how we make movements

neurogenisis

process by which new neurons are generated but only happens in the hippocampus or olfactory bulb

CEO of the brain

frontal cortex

Endorphins

Natural opiates- depress nervous system activity and eliminate pain
Elevates feeling of pleasure
Runners high

Afferent nerves

Sensory information- to the brain

Oxytocin

Associated with social bonding
Love and social bonding hormone
Released during orgasm
Released in new mothers after birth
Associated with positive moods, affectionate touch, and preoccupation with one relationship

Automatic

info from the body's internal organs and monitoring automatic process

PNS

Connects the CNS to other parts of the body. Executes the the commands of the CNS.

axon

carries info away from cell and towards other neurons

Norepinephrine

Stops the firing of neurons in the CNS, but excites the heart muscles, intestine, and urogenital tract (PNS)
Inhibitory and excitatory
Monitors alertness

destroyed neurons

cannot be restored

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Stimulates the action of muscles, learning, and memories
Excitatory
Ex: black widow or botox

damaged neurons

can be restored over time

Collateral sprouting

the growth of intact neurons in neighboring damaged neuron areas

substitution of function

damaged brain region is taken over by another region of the brain

Glutamate

Stimulating neurons to help learning and memory
Excitatory
Most prevalent neurotransmitter- therefore often target for psych disorders

Temporal

info is perceived through ears, which goes to the auditory cortex

thalamus

located at the top of the brain, switch board, processes all senses except smell

Dopamine

Helps with movement, memory, and pleasurable reward and motivation
Excitatory
Related to extraversion

Seratonin

Regulates sleep, mood, attention, and learning
Key to maintaining the brain's neuroplasticity
Excitatory
Teams with acetylcholine and norepinephrine to regulate sleep and wakefulness