chapter 2 pysch

Neuroplasticity

the brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.

Neurons

a nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system.

Neural communication

the process by which neurons transmit signals to each other through electrical impulses and neurotransmitters, enabling the functioning of the nervous system.

synapse

the junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received, facilitating communication.

How do neurons communicate

Neurons communicate through a combination of electrical impulses and chemical signals via neurotransmitters at the synapse, allowing for the transmission of information throughout the nervous system.

neurotransmitters

neuron-produced chemicals that cross the synaptic gap to carry messages to other neurons or to muscles and glands.

cell body

the part of a neuron that contains the nucleus; the cell’s life-support center.

action potential

electrical signal traveling down the axon

Myelin sheath

covers the Axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses.

Axon

the segmented neuron extension that sends messages to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Dendrites

neuron extensions that receive and integrate messages from axons, and conduct them toward the cell body.They play a crucial role in signal transmission in the nervous system.

terminal branches of axon

all or non response

a neuron’s reaction of either firing (with a full-strength response) or not firing.

the nervous system

the body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Nervous system Division

is divided into the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.

central nervous system

the part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body.

peripheral nervous system

The peripheral nervous system has two parts — somatic and autonomic.It consists of all the neural pathways outside the central nervous system, connecting the body to the brain and spinal cord.

sympathetic

autonomic nervous system subdivision that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy.

parasympathetic

autonomic nervous system subdivision that calms the body, conserving its energy.

Endocrine System

the body’s “slow” chemical communication system; a set of glands and fat tissue that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

endocrine systems function

regulates bodily functions through hormones, influencing growth, metabolism, and mood.

what gland controls the endocrine system

the pituitary gland

Brainstem / function

Cerebellum / function

Limbic system / function

Lobes of the cerebral cortex / function

what happens when there is damage in the brain

Phineas Gage

Phineas Gage was a railroad construction foreman whose frontal lobe was damaged by an iron rod in an accident, leading to significant changes in his personality and behavior. His case provided early evidence of the relationship between brain function and personality.

what area of Phineas Gages Brain was damaged

His left frontal lobe was damaged, affecting personality and behavior.

what were the result of the damage of Gages brain

Significant personality changes, impaired social cognition, and difficulty in emotional regulation, illustrating the role of the frontal lobe in behavior.

Brain Lateralization

The specialization of the two hemispheres of the brain for different functions, with the left typically associated with language and analytical thinking, and the right associated with creativity and spatial abilities.

corpus callosum / function and importance

The corpus callosum is a large bundle of neural fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between them and playing a crucial role in integrating cognitive and sensory information.

when is the lateralization damage

Lateralization damage occurs when there is a disruption or injury to specific brain areas responsible for the distinct functions of the left and right hemispheres, which can impair cognitive abilities related to either hemisphere.

split brains

This term refers to the condition resulting from surgical separation of the two hemispheres of the brain, often leading to unique behaviors and insights into lateralization.

What is consciousness

Consciousness is the state of being aware of and able to think about one's own existence, thoughts, and surroundings. It encompasses various levels of awareness, including wakefulness, self-awareness, and the ability to process experiences.

types of brain states

Different levels of consciousness, including wakefulness, sleep, and altered states, characterized by varying degrees of awareness and responsiveness to the environment.

types of brain processing

Refers to the different ways the brain can interpret and respond to information, including both conscious and unconscious mechanisms.

sequential

and parallel processing of information by the brain, occurring in different stages and levels of awareness.

parallel

Refers to the simultaneous processing of multiple information streams or tasks, allowing for more efficient information handling.

selective attention

is the cognitive process of focusing on a specific aspect of information while ignoring other stimuli, enabling efficient processing and response.

inattentional blindness

A psychological phenomenon where individuals fail to notice unexpected stimuli in their visual field when their attention is focused elsewhere.

Biological rhythms

Natural cycles of physiological processes regulated by internal and external factors, such as sleep-wake cycles or hormonal changes.

Circadian rhythm

a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other physiological processes, occurring roughly every 24 hours.

stages of sleep

the various phases experience during sleep, including REM and non-REM sleep, each characterized by distinct brain activity and physiological responses.

N1

the lightest stage of sleep, where an individual can be easily awakened and may experience brief sensations of falling.

N2

a stage of non-REM sleep characterized by decreased heart rate, relaxation of muscles, and the appearance of sleep spindles on an EEG.

N3

the deep sleep stage characterized by slow brain waves, minimal muscle activity, and difficult awakening, essential for physical restoration.

REM

a stage of sleep marked by rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, vivid dreams, and temporary muscle paralysis, important for memory consolidation.

sleep theories

Various explanations for why we sleep, including restoration, energy conservation, and brain function.

why do we sleep

sleep deprivation

a condition resulting from not getting enough sleep, which can lead to negative effects on health, mood, and cognitive performance.

sleep disorders

Conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, affecting health and daily functioning.

dreams

Thoughts, images, or emotions that occur during sleep, often during REM cycles. They can reflect unconscious desires, experiences, or emotions.

why do we dream

Dreams are a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep, serving various psychological processes such as memory consolidation and emotional regulation.

somatic nervous system

peripheral nervous system division that controls the body’s skeletal muscles. Also called the skeletal nervous system.

autonomic nervous system

controls your glands and the muscles of your internal organs, including those of your heart and digestive system. (Autonomic means “self-regulating.”)