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AP Psych Unit 2 Flashcards

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10758252570biological psychologiststhe scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes. (some biological psychologists call themselves behavioral neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, behavior geneticists, physiological psychologists, or biopsychologists)0
10758267056neuronsa nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system. neurons communicate to express thoughts, actions, memories, and moods.1
10758278447dendriteare branching fibers from the cell body; they are neurons bushy, branching extensions that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.2
10758295186axonextend from the cell body; the neuron extensions that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscle or glands. (dendrites listen, axons speak)3
10758307965myelin sheathsome axons are are encased; a fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of some neurons; enables vastly greater transmission speed as neural impulses hop from one sausage-like node to the next.4
10758338968action potentialare neural impulses, a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.5
10758348277refractory perioda period of inactivity after a neuron has been fired6
10758350219Action potential pt. 21. neuron stimulation causes a brief change in electrical charge. if strong enough, this produces depolarization and an action potential. 2. this depolarization produces another action potential a little farther along the axon. gates in this neighboring area now open, and charges sodium atoms rush in. A pump in the cell membrane (the sodium/potassium pump) transports the sodium ions back out of the cell. 3. as the action potential continues speedily down the axon, the first section has now completely recharged. direction of action potential: toward the axon terminals7
10758400590thresholdthe level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse8
10758404131all or none responsea neuron's reaction of either firing (with a full strength response) or not firing9
10758412367synapseSherrington called the synapse the meeting point between the two neurons. the junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron. the tiny gap at this junction is called the synaptic gap or synaptic cleft.10
10758434468neurostransmitterschemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons. when released by the sending neuron, neurotransmitters travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the recieving neuron will generate a neural impulse.11
10758454991reuptakea neurotransmitters reabsorption by the sending neuron12
10758466493How neurons communicate1. Electrical impulses (action potentials) travel down a neuron's axon until reaching a tiny junction known as a synapse. 2. When an action potential reaches an axon terminal, it stimulates the release of neurotransmitter molecules. These molecules cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron. This allows electrically charged atoms to enter the receiving neuron and excite or inhibit a new action potential. 3. The sending neuron normally reabsorbs excess neurotransmitter molecules, a process called reuptake.`13
10758477797Neurotransmitter pathwayseach f the brains differing chemical messangers has designated pathways where it operates.14
10758487019endorphins"morphine within"--natural, opiatelike neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure.15
10758488958Acetylcholine (ACh)enables muscle action, learning, and memory. with alzheimer's disease, ACh-producing neurons deteriorate16
10758499469dopamineInfluences movement, learning, attention, and emotion. oversupply linked to schizophrenia. Undersupply linked to tremors and decreased mobility in Parkinson's disease.17
10758504694serotoninaffects mood, hunger, sleep and arousal undersupply linked to depression. some antidepressant drugs raise serotonin levels18
10758526168Norepinephrinehelps control alertness and arousal undersupply can depress mood19
10758533126GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)a major inhibitory neurotransmitter undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia20
10758544370glutamateA major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in memory oversupply can overstimulate the brain, producing migraines or seizures (which is why some people avoid MSG, monosodium glutamate, in food)21
10758572996agonista molecule that, by binding to a receptor site, stimulates a response22
10758581443antagonista molecule that, by binding to a receptor site, inhibits or blocks a response23
10758602553nervous systemthe body's speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems24
10758604779central nervous system (CNS)brain and spinal cord; the body's decision makers25
10758611611peripheral Nervous System (PNS)the sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body. gathering information an transmitting CNS decision to other body parts26
10758625255nervesbundled axons that form neural "cables" connecting the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs. link the CNS with the body's sensory receptors, muscles, and glands.27
10758680609sensory (afferent) neuronsneurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord28
10758689201motor (efferent) neuronsneurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands29
10758695454interneuronsneurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor outputs30
10758697397Somatic Nervous System (SNS)The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body's skeletal muscles. Also called the skeletal nervous system (voluntary)31
10758884484autonomic nervous system (ANS)the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (the heart). its sympathetic division arouses; its parasympathetic division calms (involuntary: breathing, digestion)32
10758903891sympathetic nervous systemthe division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations (accelerate heartbeat, raise blood pressure, slow digestion, raise blood sugar, and cool you with perspiration, making you alert and ready for action)33
10758908985parasympathetic nervous systemthe division of the autonomic system that calms the body, conserving its energy. (decreases heartbeat, lowering blood sugar)34
10758934688sympathetic nervous system (arousing) pt. 2dilates pupils (eyes), accelerates heartbeat (heart), inhibits digestion (stomach&pancreas), stimulates glucose (liver), stimulates secretion of epinephrine or norepinephrine(kidneys& adrenal gland), relaxes bladder, and stimulates ejaculation in males35
10758955222parasympathetic nervous (calming) system pt. 2contracts pupils (eyes), slows heartbeat (heart), stimulates digestion (stomach&pancreas), stimulates gallbladder, contracts bladder, and allows blood-flow to sex organs36
10758969891reflexesa simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee-jerk response A simple reflex: 1. in this simple pain reflex, information is carried from skin receptors along a sensory neuron to the spinal cord. from there it is passed via interneurons to motor neurons that lead to the muscles in the hand and arm 2. because this reflex involves only the spinal cord, the hand jerks away from the candle flame even before information about the event has reached the brain, causing the experience of pain.37
10758996008endocrine systemthe body's "slow" chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormone into the bloodstream38
10759007410hormoneschemical messengers that are manufactures by the endocrine glands travel through the bloodstream and affect other tissues.39
10759016754glands and their functionshypothalamus: controls the pituitary gland thyroid gland: affects metabolism adrenal gland: trigger the flight or fight response testis: secretes male sex hormones pituitary gland: secretes many hormones, which can effect other glands parathyroids: regulate the level of calcium in the blood pancreas: regulates the level of sugar in the blood ovary: secretes female sex hormones40
10759046570adrenal glandsa pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones (epinephrine ad norepinephrine) that help arouse the body in times of stress41
10759054701pituitary glandthe endocrine systems most influential gland. under the influene of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands42
10759085292lesiontissue destruction. a brain lesion is a naturally or experimental caused destruction of brain tissye43
10759090280Electroencephalogram (EEG)An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain's surface. these waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.44
10759108024CT (computed tomography) scana series of x-ray photographs taken from different anfles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brains structure (also called a CAT scan)45
10759116535PET (positron emission tomography) scana visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task46
10759124010MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy47
10759418324brainstemthe oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions. (pons and the medulla)48
10759435459medullathe base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing49
10759440588ponsconnects hind brain, midbrain, and forebrain; breathing, sleep cycles and facial expression50
10759455264thalamusthe brains sensory control center, located on the top of the brain stem, it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla51
10759470067reticular formationa nerve network that travels through the brainstem and thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal52
10759477962cerebellumthe "little brain" at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory53
10759488967limbic systemneural system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives54
10759498579amygdalatwo lima bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion (aggression and fear)55
10759508027hypothalamusa neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.56
10759531767cerebral cortexultimate control and information-processing center57
10759533978limbic systemamygdala: linked to emotion hippocampus: linked to memory hypothalamus: controls maintenance functions such as eating; helps govern endocrine system; linked to emotion and reward58
10759542804brainstemreticular formation: helps control arousal pons: helps coordinate movement medulla: controls heartbeat and breathing59
10759549118other brain structurescorpus callosum: axon fibers connecting the two cerebral hemisphere thalamus: relays messages between lower brain centers and cerebral cortex pituitary: master endocrine gland spinal cord: pathway for neural fibers traveling to and from brain; controls simple reflexes cerebellum: coordinates voluntary movements and balance and supports learning and memories of such60
10762497147cerebral cortexthe intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information processing center61
10762505723glial cells (glia)cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons; they may also play a role in learning and thinking62
10762515398frontal lobesportion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgements63
10762517328parietal lobesportion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position64
10762524754occipital lobesportion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas to receive information primarily from the opposite ear65
10762528250temporal lobesportion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear66
10762533811motor cortexan area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements left hemisphere section controls the body's right side; left hemisphere section receives input from the body's right side same goes for the right67
10762539244somatosensory cortexarea at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations68
10762543258association areasareas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking69
10762546736plasticitythe brains ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.70
10762561351corpus callosumthe large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them71
10762564239split braina condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brains two hemispheres by cutting the fibers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) connecting them72
10762568015Conciousnessour awareness of ourselves and our environment73
10762568852cognitive neurosciencethe interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language)74
10762571849dual processingthe principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks75

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