Sensory Systems and Nervous System Overview

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to sensory systems and the nervous system, including their functions and relevance to behavior and mental processes.

Visual Sensory System

The system responsible for processing visual information, which influences behavior and mental processes.

Auditory Sensory System

The system that processes sound and auditory information related to behavior and mental processes.

Chemical Sensory Systems

Systems such as taste and smell that influence behavior and mental processes.

Touch Sensory System

The sensory system related to the perception of touch and its effects on behavior and mental processes.

Pain Sensory System

The system that processes pain signals, impacting behavior and mental processes.

Vestibular System

The sensory system that helps maintain balance and body movement, influencing behavior.

Kinesetic System

Relates to body movement and position, impacting behavior and mental processes.

Heredity

The genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring.

Environment

External factors influencing behavior and mental processes, often linked with heredity (nature vs nurture).

Genetic Predisposition

An inherited tendency to develop specific traits or behaviors.

Eugenics

The study of or belief in the improvement of the human population through controlled breeding.

Evolutionary Perspective

An approach that explains behavior and mental processes in terms of their adaptive value.

Twin Studies

Research involving twins to understand genetic and environmental influences on behavior.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system outside the CNS, responsible for connecting it to limbs and organs.

Neurons

The basic building blocks of the nervous system responsible for transmitting information.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist neurons.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway involved in reflex actions.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry sensory information from the body to the brain.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from the brain to muscles to initiate movement.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

Action Potential

A neural impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron.

All-or-Nothing Principle

The principle that a neuron fires completely or not at all.

Depolarization

The process that causes the membrane potential to become less negative.

Refractory Period

The time following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to fire again immediately.

Resting Potential

The state of a neuron when it is not sending signals, typically negative.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending neuron.

Threshold

The minimum level of stimulus needed to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to deterioration of myelin.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune disease that leads to muscle weakness and fatigue.

Adoption Studies

Research examining the similarities and differences between adopted children and their biological and adoptive families.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest and digest activities.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system associated with voluntary control of body movements.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that increase the likelihood of neuron firing.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that decrease the likelihood of neuron firing.

Agonists

Substances that enhance the action of neurotransmitters.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter perception, mood, or behavior.

Antagonists

Substances that inhibit the action of neurotransmitters.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in the fight or flight response.

Glutamate

The most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers.

Substance P

A neuropeptide involved in the transmission of pain.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and memory.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various functions in the body.

Adrenaline

A hormone released during stress that prepares the body for fight or flight.

Leptin

A hormone that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger.

Ghrelin

A hormone that stimulates appetite and increases food intake.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Oxytocin

A hormone associated with bonding and social behaviors.

Reuptake Inhibitors

Substances that prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, increasing their availability.

Stimulants

Substances that increase activity in the nervous system.

Caffeine

A common stimulant found in coffee and tea that increases alertness.

Cocaine

A powerful stimulant drug that enhances alertness and energy.

Depressants

Substances that reduce activity in the nervous system.

Alcohol

A depressant that impairs cognitive and motor functions.

Hallucinogens

Substances that cause altered perceptions and sensory experiences.

Marijuana

A drug that acts as a mild hallucinogen and depressant.

Opioids

Substances that relieve pain and induce euphoria.

Heroin

An opioid drug that is highly addictive.

Tolerance

A phenomenon where increasing amounts of a substance are needed to achieve the same effect.

Addiction

A chronic disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.

Withdrawal

The symptoms that occur when an individual reduces or stops drug use.