Studied by 30 PeopleBiological psychology
Tags & Description
Biological psychology
scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes
Neuron
a nerve cell, the basic building block (unit) of the nervous system
Dendrites
a neuron’s bushy, branching extensions that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body
Axon
the neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or muscles or glands
Myelin sheath
a layer of fatty tissue segmentally encasing the axons of some neuron
Action potential
a neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
Refractory Period
a period of inactivity after a neuron has fired
Threshold
a level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse (excitatory versus inhibitory)
All or none response
a neuron’s reaction of either firing (with a full strength response) or not firing
Synapse
the junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron
Neurotransmitters
chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons. When released by the sending neuron, neurotransmitters travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron, thereby influencing whether that neuron will generate a neural impulse
Reuptake
a neurotransmitter’s reabsorption by the sending neuron
Agonist
a molecule that, by binding to a receptor site, stimulates a response
Antagonists
a molecule that, by binding to a receptor site, inhibits or blocks a response
Nervous System
the body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
the sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body.
Nerves
bundled axons that form neural “cables” connecting the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs
Sensory neurons
(inbound) neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord
motor neurons
(outbound) neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands
Interneurons
neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor outputs
Somatic Nervous System
the division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles (AKA skeletal nervous system)
Autonomic Nervous System
the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (ex. heart). Its sympathetic division arouses; its parasympathetic division calms.
sympathetic nervous system
the division of ANS that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations.
Parasympathetic nervous system
the division of ANS that calms the body, conserving its energy
Reflexes
a simple, autonomic response to a sensory stimulus such as the knee-jerk response
Endocrine system
the body’s “slow” chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
Hormones
chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues.
Adrenal glands
a pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that help arouse the body in times of stress
Pituitary gland
the endocrine system’s most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands
CT (Computed Tomography) scan
a series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brain’s structure (AKA CAT scan)
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan
a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
a technique that used magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue
fMRI (Functional MRI)
a technique for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans
brainstem
the oldest part of central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions.
pons
responsible for movement and functions during sleep
Medulla
the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.
Thalamus
the brain’s sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla, All the senses EXCEPT smell
Reticular formation
a nerve network that travels through the brainstem and thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal
Cerebellum
the “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem
Limbic System
doughnut-shaped neural system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres associated with emotions and drives
Amygdala
two lima-bean sized neural clusters in the limbic system linked to emotion (aggression and fear)
Hypothalamus
a neural structure lying below (hypo) the thalamus, eating, drinking, emotion and reward