Ch. 7: The Anatomy and Physiology of Personality

Hypothalamus

A complex structure near the lower center of the brain that has direct connections to many other parts of the brain and is involved in the production of psychologically important hormones; thought to be important for mood and motivation

Hormone

A biological chemical that affects parts of the body some distance where it is produced

Amygdala

A structure located near the base of the brain that is believed to play a role in emotion, especially negative emotions such as anger and fear

Hippocampus

A complex structure deep within the brain, behind the hypothalamus, that plays an important role in memory processes

Nucleus accumbens

A neural structure located deep within the brain that is part of the dopaminergic system that, among other functions, responds to reward with the experience of pleasure

Cortex

The outside portion of an organ (see adrenal cortex); in the context of this book, the cortex refers to the outer layers of the brain

Neocortex

The outer layer of the cortex of the brain, regarded as uniquely human

Frontal cortex

The front part of the cortex of the brain. Divided left and right into the two frontal lobes, this part of the brain is associated with cognitive functioning such as planning, foresight, and understanding

Neurotransmitters

The chemicals that allow one neuron to affect, or communicate with, another

Synapse

The space between two neurons across which impulses are carried by neurotransmitters

Neuron

A cell of the nervous system that receives and transmits information; also called nerve cell

Pituitary gland

A small gland, about the size of a pea, located in the brain below the hypothalamus, that plays a central role in many bodily functions through the hormones it secretes

Adrenal cortex

The outer layer of the adrenal gland, atop the kidneys, that secretes several behaviorally important hormones

Electroencephalography (EEG)

A technique for measuring the brain’s electrical activity by placing electrode sensors on the outside of the skull

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

A technique for using delicate magnetic sensors on the outside of the skull to detect brain activity

Positron emission tomography (PET)

A technique for creating images of brain activity by injecting a radioactive tracer into the blood and then, using a scanner, finding where in the brain the blood is being metabolized

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

A technique for imaging brain activity by using a powerful magnet to help detect blood flow in the brain

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter in the brain that plays an important role in positive emotions and response to reward

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter within the brain that plays an important role in the regulation of emotion and motivation

Epinephrine

A neurotransmitter in the brain and also a hormone that is released by the adrenal gland as part of the body’s response to stress; also called adrenaline

Norepinephrine

An important neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with responses to stress; also called noradrenaline

Oxytocin

A hormone that may have specific effects in women of emotional attachment and calming

Gonads

The glands, testes in men and ovaries in women, that (among other effects) produce the s*x hormones testosterone and estrogen, respectively

Testosterone

The male s*x hormone

Estrogen

The female s*x hormone

Cortisol

A collective term for the glucocorticoid hormones, which are released into the bloodstream by the adrenal cortex as a response to physical or psychological stress

Endorphins

The body’s own pain-killing chemicals, which operate by blocking the transmission of pain messages to the brain

Insula

A region of the cortex associated with many functions including the generation of distracting impulses, the experience of pain, and addiction