2: Brain and Behavior

Receptor site

________: An area on the surface of neurons and other cells that is sensitive to neurotransmitters or hormones.

Neuroplasticity

________: The capacity of the brain to change in response to experience.

Synapse

________: A microscopic space over which messages pass between two neurons.

Autonomic nervous system

________ (ANS): The collection of axons that carry information to and from internal organs and glands.

right hemisphere

The ________ detects overall patterns; it processes information simultaneously and holistically.

Myelin sheath

________: Insulating material that covers some axons.

Ablation

________: In biopsychology, the surgical removal of tissue from the surface of the brain.

Threshold

________: In neurons, the point at which a nerve impulse is triggered.

Dendrites

________: Neuron fibers that receive incoming messages.

occipital lobes

The ________ contain the primary visual area, which first receives input from the eyes.

Neural function

________, including fluctuations of the neurons resting potential and the firing of the action potential, is basically electrical in nature.

Negative

________ after- potential: A drop in electrical charge below the resting potential.

Deep lesioning

________: Removal of tissue within the brain by the use of an electrode.

spinal cord

The midbrain and two hindbrain structures (pons and medulla) make up the brainstem, which is the thickening of the ________ where it joins the brain.

CT

Computed tomographic (________) scan: A computer- enhanced X- ray image of the brain or body.

Parietal lobes

________: Areas of the cortex in which body sensations register.

emission tomography

Position ________ (PET): A high- resolution imaging technique that captures brain activity by attaching radioactive particles to glucose molecules.

Neurotransmitter

________: A chemical that moves information from one nervous- system cell to another.

Chemicals

________ called neuropeptides can also regulate synaptic activity in the brain.

Lateralization

________: Differences between the two sides of the body, especially differences in the abilities of the brain hemispheres.

Cerebellum

________: The structure in the hindbrain involved in controlling coordination and balance.

temporal loves

The ________ contain the primary auditory area and are responsible for hearing and language.

Self regulation skills

________ can be improved by changing what we pay attention to, how we think about situations were in, or the environments we find ourselves in.

PNS

While neurons and nerves in the ________ often can regenerate, the term neurogenesis refers to the production of new neurons in the brain.

Electrode

________: Any device (such as a wire, needle, or metal plate) used to stimulate or destroy nerve tissue electronically or to record its activity.

perceptual skills

It is largely nonverbal and excels at spatial and ________, visualization, and recognition of patterns, faces and melodies.

Forebrain

________: A brain structure, including the limbic system, thalamus, hypothalamus, and cortex that governs higher- order mental processes.

Hypothalamus

________: A small area of the brain that regulates emotional behaviors and basic biological needs.

Amygdala

________: A part of the limbic system associated with the rapid processing of emotions; especially fear.

Reticular formation

________ (RF): A collection of cells and fibers in the medulla and pons involved in arousal and attention.

Neurogenesis

________: The production of new brain cells.

Melatonin

________: A hormone released by the pineal gland in response to daily cycles of light and dark.

Executive functions

________ allow us to set goals, make plans to achieve those goals, control attention and emotions as we work towards our goal so that we know if we need to change our strategy.

Self regulation

________ refers to our ability to control our thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Oxytocin

________: A hormone, released by the pituitary gland, that plays a broad role in regulating pregnancy, parenthood, sexual activity, social bonding, trust, and even reducing stress reactions.

Norepinephrine

________: Both a brain neurotransmitter and an adrenal hormone that tends to arouse the body; ________ is associated with anger.

Hindbrain

________: A primitive part of the brain that comprises the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.

Midbrain

________: A structure that connects the hindbrain with the forebrain.

Electroencephalograph

________ (EEG): A device that records electrical activity in the brain.

Synaptic transmission

________: The chemical process that carries information from one neuron to another.

Ion channels

________: Tiny openings through the axon membrane.

Epinephrine

________: An adrenal hormone that tends to arouse the body; ________ is associated with fear.

Hormones

________ from the endocrine glands enter the bloodstream, affecting behavior, moods, and personality.

pons

The ________ links the medulla with other brain areas.

Aphasias

________: A speech disturbance resulting from brain damage.

CNS

The ________ is made up of the brain, which carries out most of the "computing "in the nervous system, and the spinal cord, which connects the brain the to the PNS.

Neuropeptides

________: Brain chemicals, such as enkephalins and endorphins, that regulate the activity of neurons.

Cerebral cortex

________: The thin, wrinkled outer covering of the brain in which high- level processes take place.

Corticalization

________: An increase in the relative size of the cerebral cortex.

Nerve

________: A bundle of neuron axons.

Central nervous system (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord

Spinal cord

A column of nerves that transmits information between the brain and the peripheral nervous system

Spinal nerves

Major nerves that carry sensory and motor messages in and out of the spinal cord

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

The parts of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord

Neuron

A cell in the nervous system that transmits information

Nerve

A bundle of neuron axons

Cranial nerves

Major nerves that leave the brain without passing through the spinal cord

Somatic nervous system (SNS)

A network linking the spinal cord with the body and sense organs

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

The collection of axons that carry information to and from internal organs and glands

Sympathetic nervous system (sympathetic branch)

The division of the autonomic nervous system that coordinates arousal

Parasympathetic nervous system (parasympathetic branch)

The division of the autonomic nervous system that quiets the body and conserves energy

Dendrites

Neuron fibers that receive incoming messages

Cell body (Soma)

The part of the neuron or other cell that contains the nucleus of the cell

Axon

A fiber that carries information away from the cell body of a neuron

Axon terminals

Bulb-shaped structures at the ends of axons that form synapses with the dendrites and cell bodies of other neurons

Resting potential

The electrical charge of an inactive neuron

Threshold

In neurons, the point at which a nerve impulse is triggered

Action potential

A brief change in a neurons electrical charge

Myelin sheath

Insulating material that covers some axons

Ion channels

Tiny openings through the axon membrane

Negative after-potential

A drop in electrical charge below the resting potential

Synapse

A microscopic space over which messages pass between two neurons

Synaptic transmission

The chemical process that carries information from one neuron to another

Neurotransmitter

A chemical that moves information from one nervous-system cell to another

Receptor site

An area on the surface of neurons and other cells that is sensitive to neurotransmitters or hormones

Neuropeptides

Brain chemicals, such as enkephalins and endorphins, that regulate the activity of neurons

Neuroplasticity

The capacity of the brain to change in response to experience

Neurogenesis

The production of new brain cells

Computed tomographic (CT) scan

A computer-enhanced X-ray image of the brain or body

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An imaging technique that results in a three-dimensional image of the brain or body, based on its response to a magnetic field

Localization of function

The research strategy of linking specific structures in the brain to specific psychological or behavioral functions

Electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB)

Direct electrical stimulation and activation of brain tissue

Electrode

Any device (such as a wire, needle, or metal plate) used to stimulate or destroy nerve tissue electronically or to record its activity

Ablation

In biopsychology, the surgical removal of tissue from the surface of the brain

Deep lesioning

Removal of tissue within the brain by the use of an electrode

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

A device that records electrical activity in the brain

Position emission tomography (PET)

A high-resolution imaging technique that captures brain activity by attaching radioactive particles to glucose molecules

Functional MRI (fMRI)

An MRI technique that records activity levels in various areas of the brain

Cerebral cortex

The thin, wrinkled outer covering of the brain in which high-level processes take place

Corticalization

An increase in the relative size of the cerebral cortex

Cerebral hemispheres

The left and right sides of the cerebral cortex; interconnected by the corpus callosum

Lateralization

Differences between the two sides of the body, especially differences in the abilities of the brain hemispheres

Split-brain operation

A surgical procedure that involves cutting the corpus callosum

Handedness

A preference for right or left hand in most activities

Dominant hemisphere

A term usually applied to the side of a persons brain that produces language

Lobes of the cerebral cortex

Areas on the left and right cortex bordered by major fissures or defined by their functions

Frontal lobes

Areas of the cortex associated with movement, the sense of self, and higher mental functions

Prefrontal area (prefrontal cortex)

The very front of the frontal loves; involved in the sense of self, executive functions, and planning

Executive functions

The higher-level mental processes that allow us to regulate and coordinate our own thought through processes

Association areas (association cortex)

All areas of the cerebral cortex that are not primarily sensory or motor in function