Neuroanatomy
The study of the parts and functions of neurons
Neurons
Individual nerve cells
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Source: Barron's AP Psychology
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Neuroanatomy
The study of the parts and functions of neurons
Neurons
Individual nerve cells
Dendrites
Root-like parts of the cell that stretch out from the cell body.
Grow to make synaptic connections with other neurons
Cell Body (Soma)
Contains the nucleus and other parts of the cell needed to sustain its life
Axon
Wire-like structure ending in the terminal buttons that extends from the cell body
Myelin Sheath
A fatty covering around the axon of some neurons that speeds neural impulses
Terminal Buttons
The branched end of the axon that also contains neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters
Synapse
Space between the terminal buttons of one neuron and the dendrites of the next neuron
Receptor Sites
A place on the dendrites where neurotransmitters fit into
Absolute Threshold
The amount of neurotransmitters needed for firing
Action Potential
When a neuron sends information down an axon, away from the cell body
All-or-none principle
A neuron either fires completely or it does not fire at all
Excitatory Neurotransmitters
Excite the next cell into firing
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
Inhibit the next cell from firing
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Endorphins
A neurotransmitter involved in pain control and addictions
Serotonin
GABA
Glutamate
Norepinephrine
A neurotransmitter involved in alertness/arousal, can cause depression
Afferent Neurons (Sensory)
Take information from senses to brain
Interneurons
Once info reaches the brain or spinal cord, interneurons take the messages and send them elsewhere in the brain or onto efferent neurons
Efferent Neurons (Motor)
Take information from the brain to the rest of the body
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Consists of brain + spinal cord (all nerves encased in bones)
Peripheral Nervous System
Somatic Nervous System
Controls voluntary muscle movements
Autonomic Nervous System
Sympathetic Nervous System
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Causes body to slow down AFTER a stress response (break pedal)
Reflexes
Reactions that occur the moment sensory impulses reach the spinal cord
Accidents
By observing the brain damage and behaviour after an accident, researchers can determine the functions the damaged part played in behaviour.
Lesions
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Computerized Axial Tomography Scan (CAT or CT)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Functional MRI (fMRI)
Hindbrain
Medulla
Part of hindbrain that controls blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing
Pons
Part of hindbrain that controls facial expressions
Cerebellum
Part of hindbrain that coordinates habitual muscle movements
Midbrain
Coordinates simple movements with sensory information
Reticular Formation
A netlike connection of cells throughout the midbrain that controls general body arousal and the ability to focus our attention
Forebrain
Thalamus
Receives the sensory signals coming up the spinal cord and sends them to the appropriate areas in the rest of the forebrain
Hypothalamus
Amygdala
Vital to experiences of emotion
Hippocampus
Processes memory to be permanently stored in other areas of the cerebral cortex
Cerebral Cortex
Fissures
Wrinkled surface of the cerebral cortex to increase surface area
Hemispheres
Contralateral Control
Brain Lateralization
Split-brain
Association Area
Any area of the cerebral cortex that is not associated with receiving sensory information or controlling muscle movements
Frontal Lobes
Large areas of the cerebral cortex located at the top front part of the brain behind the eyes
Prefrontal Cortex
Broca’s Area (Paul Broca)
Wernicke’s Area (Carl Wernicke)
Temporal lobe
Responsible for understanding of spoken and written language
Motor Cortex
Parietal Lobes
Sensory Cortex
Occipital Lobes
Temporal Lobes
Brain Plasticity
The ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections.
Endocrine System
Adrenal Glands
Ovaries and Testes
Monozygotic Twins
Identical twins (same genetic material)
Thomas Bouchard
Turner’s Syndrome
Single X chromosome instead of a 23rd pair
Klinefelter’s Syndrome
Extra X chromosome, thus XXY pattern
Down Syndrome
Extra chromosome on 21st pair