Brain and behaviour

localization

localization of function: theory that certain areas of the brain are responsible for psychological functions

strict localization: the idea that there is a clear correspondence between psychological functions and brain areas, and that all functions can be clearly mapped onto the brain

weak localization: idea that one brain area may be responsible for function, but not exclusively, and other areas may also take over the function

widely distributed functions: functions that cannot be localized anywhere in the brain

Neuroplasticity

Cortical remapping: neuroplasticity on the level of the cortex

Hippocampus: a part of the limbic system, known to be implicated in emotional regulation and long term memory

neuroplasticity: ability of the brain to change itself in response to environmental demands

synaptic plasticity: occurring on the level of separate neuron, construction of new synaptic connections and elimination of the ones that are not used

Neurotransmitters and behavior

Agonist: chemical that enhances the action of a neurotransmitter

Antagonist: chemical that inhabits the actions of a neurotransmitter

neurotransmitter: chemical messenger stored in the axon and released into the synaptic gap

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): class of chemicals that act by preventing reuptake of excess serotonin in the synapse, hence increasing its concentration in the synaptic gap

Techniques used to study the brain in relation to behavior

BOLD( blood-oxygen-level dependent) signal: pulse of energy emitted by oxygenated blood when placed in an external magnetic field used in FMRI

Spatial resolution: ability of a scanner to discriminate between nearby locations, a unit of space that is discernable in a brain scan

Temporal resolution: smallest time period in which a brain scan can register changes in the brain

most common used brain imaging techniques are:

1. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

2. fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)

3. CT scan (computed tomography)

4. EEG (electroencephalogram)

5. PET scan (positron emission tomography)

6. MEG (magnetoencephalography)

   MRI: uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of brain structures

   fMRI: detects brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow, often used for functional studies

   CT scan: uses X-ray to take cross-sectional images of the brain to detect injuries or abnormalities

   EEG: measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes places on the scalp

   PET scan: tracks brain functions by detecting radioactive tracers in the bloodstream

   MEG: tracks brain function by detecting radioactive tracers in the bloodstream

Hormones and pheromones and behavior

endocrine system: chemical messenger system of the organism; the system of glands that secrete hormones

Gene knockout (KO): genetic technique in which one of the genes of an organism is “switched off” also as an organism that carrie’s the inoperative gene

Oxytocin: hormone produced by hypothalamus and released by the pituitary glands; social interaction and sexual reproduction

pheromones: chemical messenger that communicates info (fertility or sexual attractiveness)

putative human pheromones: chemical substance that is hypothesized to be a human pheromone

Genetics and behavior

DNA methylation: process by which certain chemicals (methyl groups) are added to the DNA molecule, affecting gene transcription

epigenetic changes: deviations of phenotype from genotype occurring as a result of changes in gene expression

gene: a part of DNA responsible for a specific trait or behavior

gene expression: process of synthesizing organic molecules based on DNA blue print

gene transcription: replicating DNA sequence in a freshly synthesized RNA molecule

gene translation: decoding the RNA molecule into a sequence of amino acids in a protein

genotype: set of traits as if is coded in an individuals DNA

phenotype: manifests in an individuals body, appearance or behavior