bipsyc

Reticular Formation

A network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a role in alertness

Thalamus

A sensory relay station located in the brain's core that receives information from all senses (except smell) and routes it to the corresponding brain regions for processing. It also plays a role in motor control and consciousness.

Frontal Lobe

The part of the brain responsible for executive functions like planning

Hypothalamus

A small structure below the thalamus that links the nervous system to the endocrine system. It controls hunger

Cerebellum

Located at the back of the brain

Broca's Area

A region in the frontal lobe responsible for speech and language formation.

Wernicke's Area

A region in the temporal lobe responsible for the comprehension of written and expressed language.

Limbic System

A group of brain structures involved in emotion

Occipital Lobe

The brain's visual processing center

Visual Cortex (or Primary Visual Cortex)

A part of the occipital lobe that processes visual information.

Temporal Lobes

Responsible for auditory processing

Amygdala

A small

Hippocampus

A brain region vital for forming new memories.

Corpus Callosum

A large band of neural fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain and allows them to communicate.

Left Hemisphere

Typically dominant for language

Right Hemisphere

Typically specializes in spatial reasoning

Brain Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and reorganize itself

Neurogenesis and Age

Neurogenesis is the brain's ability to produce new neurons. This ability decreases with age.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions like heartbeat and breathing.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

A subdivision of the ANS that activates the "fight or flight" response in stressful situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

A subdivision of the ANS that promotes "rest and digest

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements and sensory processing.

Neurons

The basic building blocks of the nervous system that transmit signals throughout the body.

Sensory Neurons

Transmit sensory information from the body to the brain.

Motor Neurons

Send information from the brain to muscles and glands to initiate action.

Action Potential

The brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that mediates a reflex action. It allows for rapid

Negative Charge inside neurons

The resting state of a neuron

Threshold

The minimum level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.

Reuptake

The process by which a neurotransmitter is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron after it has been released into the synaptic cleft.

Refractory Period

A brief resting phase after a neuron has fired

Inhibition

A process in the nervous system that prevents or reduces neural activity.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that travel across the synaptic gap between neurons to transmit signals.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in muscle contraction

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms neural activity. Alcohol significantly impacts GABA.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that affects mood

Endorphins

Natural painkillers produced by the brain. Long-term use of opioids can cause the brain to stop producing them.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with reward

Oxytocin

A hormone and neurotransmitter involved in social bonding

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

A hormone and neurotransmitter that activates the sympathetic nervous system

Substance P

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in transmitting pain signals.

Depressants

Drugs that slow brain activity and neural processing. Examples include alcohol

Hallucinogens

Psychoactive drugs that alter perception and can cause sensations similar to near-death experiences. Examples include LSD and marijuana.

Stimulants

Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions. Examples include caffeine

Opioids

Pain-relieving drugs that can cause pupils to constrict and breathing to slow. Long-term use can stop the brain from producing its natural endorphins.

Alcohol

A depressant that slows brain activity

Marijuana

A hallucinogen that can impact memory.

Cocaine

A stimulant that blocks the reuptake of dopamine

Caffeine

A stimulant that increases neural activity and speeds up body functions.

Antagonist

A drug that binds to receptors but doesn't activate them

Agonist

A drug that binds to and activates receptors

Antidepressants

Medications used to treat depression

Withdrawal

The group of symptoms that occur when a person stops using a drug they have become dependent on.

Biological Psychology

The study of how biological processes are linked to psychological processes.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolution has shaped behavior and the mind

Case Study

An in-depth investigation of a single individual or group to reveal universal principles.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing and recording behavior in a naturally occurring situation without trying to manipulate or control the situation.

Experimental Study

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe their effect on some behavior or mental process (dependent variable).

Correlational Study

A research method that measures the relationship between two variables. Correlation does not imply causation.

Longitudinal Study

A research design that involves repeated observations of the same variables over long periods of time.

Meta-Analysis

A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple scientific studies on a specific topic.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A tool that records the amplified waves of electrical activity across the brain's surface.

Lesions

The intentional or unintentional destruction of brain tissue.

Twin Studies

Research that compares the behaviors and traits of identical and fraternal twins to understand the influence of genetics and environment.

Monozygotic (Identical)

Twins that develop from a single fertilized egg

Dizygotic (Fraternal)

Twins that develop from two separate eggs

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor that is manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The factor that is measured in an experiment to see if it changes in response to the independent variable.

Random Sample

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of being included.

Random Assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance

Placebo Effect

A phenomenon in which a person's physical or mental health appears to improve after taking a placebo (a fake treatment)

Qualitative Research

A method of inquiry that collects non-numerical data to gain insights into a topic.

Quantitative Research

A method of inquiry that focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to test a hypothesis.

Confidentiality

A principle in research ethics that ensures data and information shared by participants will not be disclosed to others.

Nature vs. Nurture

The classic debate about whether human traits and behaviors are primarily due to genetics (nature) or environmental influences (nurture).

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A disease in which the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers

Aphasia

An impairment of language