Studied by 4 people
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
Note 
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